Evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract of Vitex negundo leaves for its anthelmintic activity on Tubifex tubifex.

Background: The purpose of this study was to screen the anthelmintic property of a hydroalcoholic extract of Vitex negundo leaves. It is widely used for the treatment of anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory, oxidative stress, cytotoxic impact in the ayurvedic medicine system as well as it is also used as a folk medicine in joint pain. The other parts of this plant are scientifically proven for its anthelmintic activity. The most important activities like glucose uptake, enzyme inhibitory activity, auxin transportation etc. have already been proven but still there is no scientific data available on anthelmintic activity of Vitex negundo leaves. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of Vitex negundo leaves was obtained by maceration process and various phytochemical tests were performed. Limit test, main test and comparative test were performed to investigate the anthelmintic activity. Results: The paralysis and death time of the Tubifex tubifex worms was noted and the minimum concentration of dose responsible for death of all the test worms within 4 hours was calculated. Albendazole suspension was used as standard drug. The data shows statistically significant by using one-way ANNOVA, Dunnett's post-parametric test between test group and standard group data (P<0.01). Conclusion: Therefore, the hydroalcoholic extract of Vitex negundo leaves has the potential to be used as a natural anthelmintic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]