Anthelminthic Activity of Annona reticulata Seed Extracts

Aims: To evaluate the anthelminthic activity of Annona reticulata seeds extracts against Pheretima posthuma.
Study Design: Helminth infections have tormented humans and animals for thousands of years. The indiscriminate uses of the anthelminthic drugs have lead to the emergence of resistant helminths against many anthelminthic agents. Thus the need for the treatment of helminthic infections and the prevention of the emergence of resistant strains has led to the screening medicinal plants for their anthelminthic activity.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biotechnology, The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, between January 2012 and March 2012.
Methodology: The main aim of the present exploratory study is to evaluate the anthelminthic activity of A. reticulata seeds extracts. The in vitro studies revealed that the anthelminthic effects of crude chloroform and ethanolic extracts of A. reticulata on Pheretima posthuma was evident from induction of paralysis and mortality. Piperazine citrate was used as the standard reference drug and normal saline as a control group.
Results: Among all the concentrations of chloroform and ethanolic extracts tested, 12.5 mg/ml showed significant (p<0.01) anthelminthic activity. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract of A. reticulata is a more potent anthelminthic agent against Pheretima posthuma when compared with chloroform extract but less potent when compared with the standard drug.
Conclusions: The results of this investigation justifies the use of the seed extracts of A. reticulata in traditional medical practice for the treatment of helminth infections.