Evaluation of the in-vitro anthelmintic activity of Leucas zeylanica extracts on earthworms

Abstract

Leucas zeylanica known as Ketumbit has a wide range of medical applications. This fact includes the traditional practice of L. zeylanica for the treatment of worm infections successfully, however to date, the anthelmintic effect has still not been scientifically proven. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of L. zeylanica. The study began with the extraction of L. zeylanica extracts using methanol, ethanol, and aqueous. Subsequently, experiments were conducted to evaluate the possible in vitro anthelmintic activity of various extracts of L. zeylanica against earthworms. Various concentrations (25, 50 & 100 mg/mL) of extracts were tested and results were expressed in terms of the time of paralysis and time of death of worms. All extracts of the plant exhibited considerable anthelmintic activities in a dose-dependent manner. Of them all, methanolic extract at 100 mg/mL showed the most efficacious anthelmintic activity that was comparable to the reference drug (albendazole, 25 mg/mL). Therefore, we conclude that methanolic extract at the concentration of 100 mg/mL could be considered a candidate for worm treatment apart from the standard medication. This work may provide a framework for further study of L. zeylanica as an alternative treatment for worm infection.