Anthelmintic Activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum

The Pet ether, chloroform, methanol and water extract of dried leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum Linn. (Crassulaceae) were investigated for activity against Indian earthworms Pheretima posthuma. Various concentrations (30 and 50 mg/ml) of each extract were tested, which involved determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worms. Methanolic extract exhibited significant anthelmintic activity (p<0.01) when compared with piperazine citrate (15 mg/ml) which is included as standard reference and normal saline as control. The present study indicates the potential usefulness of Bryophyllum pinnatum whole plant as an anthelmintic.