INVESTIGATION OF IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF THESPESIA LAMPAS (CAV.)

Abstract

Satpuda hills region of Maharashtra is inhabited by several tribes and they are using several plants or plant-based preparations for the treatment of various ailments in their traditional system of medicine. During our course of studies on ethnomedicine of this region, the plant being used as anthelmintic is root of Thespesia lampas (Cav.). This plant has a wide reputation among natives of being curative for intestinal-worm infections in the form of aqueous extract. Based on this, an attempt has been made to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of this plant. The aqueous extract of Thespesia lampas (Cav.) roots (Ranibhendi) was investigated for anthelmintic activity using earthworms (Pheretima posthuma), tapeworms (Raillietina spiralis) and roundworms (Ascaridia galli). Various concentrations (10-50 mg/ml) of plant extract were tested in the bioassay. Piperazine citrate (10 mg/ml) was used as reference standard drug whereas distilled water as control. Determination of paralysis time and death time of the worms were recorded. Extract exhibited significant anthelmintic activity at highest concentration of 50 mg/ml. The result shows that aqueous extract possesses vermicidal activity and found to be effective as an anthelmintic.