In vitro anthelmintic activities of cassia tora stem bark

Abstract

Pune 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 Cassia tora (Caesalpiniaceae) This plant has a wide reputation among natives of being curative for intestinalworm infections in the form of aqueous extract. Based on this, an attempt has been made to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of this plant. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of Cassia tora stem bark were investigated for anthelmintic potential against earthworm (Pheretima posthuma). Various concentrations (25-100 mg/ml) of methanolic and aqueous plant extract were tested in the bioassay and different parameters such as determination of paralysis and time of death of worms were recorded. Both extracts exhibit significant anthelmintic activity at highest concentrations of 100 mg/ml and 75 mg/ml. Albendazole (40 mg/ml) was used as reference standard and distilled water as control.