In vitro antihelmintic activity of bark extract of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) in Indian adult earthworm (Pheretima posthuma)

ObjectiveTo carry out an exhaustive study with a view to substantiate the therapeutic potential of methanolic and aqueous extract of bark of Cinnamomum bejolghota (C. bejolghota) against Pheretima posthuma which is used as experimental model for helmintic.MethodsThirty-six adult earthworms of 3.5–5.0 cm length were collected from university campus of Dibrugarh. Nine groups containing four worms in each group were divided for the experiment. About 0.9% (w/v) of normal saline solution, 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL each of standard drug albendazole and methanolic, aqueous extract of bark of C. bejolghota were freshly prepared before commencement of the study. Earthworms were observed for paralysis and death time which is recorded in minute.ResultsCrude methanolic extract with concentrations of 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL produced dose-dependent paralysis. All results were expressed as the mean±SEM using One-way ANOVA. The difference in values at P<0.01 was considered as statistically significant.ConclusionsFrom the investigation, conclusion can be drawn that the methanolic bark extract of C. bejolghota showed better activity than aqueous extract of the same to treat intestinal worm infections. In comparison with the standard drug albendazole, methanolic bark extract of the plant showed significant antihelminthic activity.