Anthelmintic Potential of Andrographis paniculata, Cajanus cajan and Silybum marianum

Abstract:

Hydroalcoholic extracts of aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata, Cajanus cajan and Silybum marianum and their combinations were evaluated for anthelmintic properties using Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) as a model, as they show physiological and anatomical resemblance with intestinal parasites and round worms. The results were compared with that of standard drug, piperazine citrate. A. paniculata showed better activity (paralysis and death time was 3.33 and 5.16 min respectively at a concentration of 40mg/ml), while its combination (1:1) with S. marianum extract was found to be the most potent (paralysis and death time was 2.83 and 6.33 min respectively at a concentration of 40mg/ml). This property is supposed to be due to the presence of phenolics (flavonoids and tannins) which are reported to have anthelmintic property.

Key words: Anthelmintic property, Andrographis paniculata, Cajanus cajan, earthworm model, Silybum marianum.