Exploring Schleichera oleasa crude bark extract for its anti-helminthic potential

Abstract

Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken or Kusum, belonging to family Sapindaceae is an important medicinal plant reported to possess various pharmacological activities viz. analgesic, antibiotic, anti-dysentery, anti-helminthic, antioxidant and anticancer activities. Scientific studies reporting antihelminthic properties of bark extract of this plant are still lacking, therefore, the present work has been designed to investigate the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of bark for its antihelminthic potential. Antihelminthic evaluation was done using Indian earthworms, Pheretima posthuma by determining time of paralysis and death. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids. The anti-helminthic activity of both extracts (0.1%) was found better than the standard drug Albendazole. Since, both extracts showed promising results, they can be further helpful in designing herbal formulations for commercial use.dry-powder inhaler (DPI) carries medication to lungs as a dry powder, useful against respiratory diseases.