Phytochemical screening and invitro anthelmintic activity of a novel polyherbal formulation

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine which includes the usage of natural and mechano procedures to eliminate the root cause of the disease. Ayurvedic system of medicine is economical, easily available and free of side effects which make it beneficial to human beings. Among various diseases, a large population is infected with helminthiasis which can be treated by using medicinal plants. In the present study we developed a novel polyherbal formulation (PHF) containing a mixture of powdered Artemesia absinthium (shoot), Butea Monosperma (leaves), Ipomea headeraceae (seeds), Hyocyamus niger (seeds). Phytochemical screening of the extract indicated the presence of carbohydrates, amino acids, tannins, sterols and alkaloids the polyherbal formulation was studied for its anthelmintic activity using Indian earthworm (Pheritima posthuma) as the test model. Albendazole was taken as the standard reference drug. The petroleum ether and aqueous extracts with the petroleum ether and methanolic extract. of the PHF of different concentrations (25μg/ml, 50μg/ml, 100μg/ml) were prepared and used to determine the paralysis time and death time of the worms. The petroleum ether and methanolic extract of the PHF has shown significant activity due to presence of various phytoconstituents like tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. In the course of our investigation, we found that the 100μg/ml methanolic extract has better anthelmintic activity when compared to the other concentrations checked.