EVALUATION OF IN-VITRO ANTHELMINTIC POTENTIAL OF UMBELLIFERONE AGAINST PHERETIMA POSTHUMA

Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the in-vitro anthelmintic potential of isolated phytoconstituent umbelliferone against Pheretima Posthuma (Indian earthworm). Methods: Three different concentrations (10, 20, 30 mg/ml in Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) of umbelliferone were prepared, and six worms of similar type were placed in it. Observations were made for the time taken for paralysis and death of the individual worm. Meantime required for the paralysis (P) in min was noted when no movement of any sort could be observed, except when the worm was shaken vigorously; death time (D) in min was recorded after confirmation with lack of movement when shaken vigorously/ dipped in warm water (50 °C). Piperazine citrate (10 mg/ml) was used as a reference standard. Results: Umbelliferone demonstrated paralysis as well as the death of worms, especially at a higher concentration of 30 mg/ml in a shorter time as compared to reference drug Piperazine citrate. Conclusion: In the present study, Umbelliferone was tested for its anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. Various concentrations were used in the bioassay, which involved paralysis and death time of the worms. The phytoconstituent showed significant anthelmintic activity.