Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOL ROOT EXTRACTS OF ALBIZIA ADIANTHIFOLIA (SCHUMACH) W. WIGHT (MIMOSACEAE)

Kasie Vitus Okolo, Hope Morris Nchekwube Ifebi*, Felix Ahamefule, Onyegbule and Charity Chinasa Ezea

ABSTRACT

Background: The development of anthelmintic resistance and the high cost of conventional anthelmintic drugs led to the evaluation of medicinal plants as an alternative source of anthelmintics. In the current study, the experiments were conducted to determine the possible anthelmintic effects of the root extracts of Albizia adiantifolia on adult earthworm (Pheretima posthuma). Methods: The pulverized roots were cold macerated in methanol for 48 h and 24h in aqueous , half of the methanol crude extract was then fractionated using n-hexane, ethylacetate and butanol. Pharmacognostic profile, phytochemical analyses, and acute toxicity were determined using standard procedure. Various concentrations (25, 50, 100 mg/ml) of each extracts and fractions were tested for antihelmintics activity and results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and time for death of worms. The activities are well compared with the standard drug Albendazole. Result: The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of glycosides (0.007 %), saponins (3.819 %), alkaloids (8.928 %), flavonoids (5.812 %), phenols (0.071 %) and tannins (0.274 %). Multiple comparism carried out showed that the extracts and fractions were not statistically significant with the albendazole (P < 0.05). The extracts were found to produce anthelmintic activity on Pheretima posthuma in a dose dependent manner. The plant was relatively non toxic with LD50 ≥ 5000 mg/kg. Conclusions: The study has shown that the leaf of A adiantifolia crude extract, butanol fraction and ethylacetate fraction possesses significant antihelmintics activity.

Keywords: Albizia adiantifolia, Pheretima posthuma, Antihelmintics, Phytochemical analysis.