Studies on Antibacterial, Anthelmintic and Larvicidal Efficacy of Pothos scandens L

The present study describes the phytochemical, antibacterial, anthelmintic and larvicidal activity of extracts of a traditionally used medicinal plant of Western Ghats Pothos scandens L. The powdered plant material was subjected to soxhlet extraction using methanol solvent. The extracts were tested for the presence of various phytoconstituents. Antibacterial activity by Agar well diffusion method. Wormicidal activity was tested using adult Indian earthworm model by determining paralysis and death of worms in the presence of extracts. The larvicidal activity in terms of Percentage larval mortality was determined using second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins. The methanol extract showed antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract was determined for each of the test bacteria. Gram positive bacteria were inhibited at low concentrations than Gram negative bacteria. The activity may be attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals present in them. Further, the extracts could be used against infections by bacteria, mosquito vectors and the parasitic worms. Further experiments in animal models could possibly reveal the in vivo efficacy of the extract.