S. H. Patil, S. A. Sreenivas, P. V. Deshmukh, Srikanth M, Avijit Choudhury, A. E. Wagh, L.S. Vijapur
The present study was designed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of Alocasia indica Schott. rootstocks using specific in vitro standard procedures. The alcoholic extract of rootstocks of Alocasia indica Schott. & its ethyl acetate fraction at different concentrations were tested on Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). Time of paralysis and time of death of earthworms were considered as the parameters to assess the anthelmintic action. Albendazole and 2% w/v gum acacia in distilled water were used as standard and control respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction of alcoholic extract exhibited significant anthelmintic activity compared to alcoholic extract as evidenced by significant decrease in time of paralysis & death. The observed activity could be due to the presence to phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids in the test extract. These in vitro studies indicated that the Alocasia indica Schott. is a significant source of natural anthelmintic, which might be helpful in preventing various parasitic disorders.
