Evaluation of Anthelmintic and Neuropharmacological Activities of the leaves of Chassalia

Abstract

Chassalia curviflora belongs to the family Rubiaceae has been documented for its anticancer, anthelmintic & neuropharmacological effects. This study was performed to gauge the anticancer, anthelmintic and neuropharmacological activities of the methanolic extract from the leaves of Chassalia curviflora (MECC). Anthelmintic activity was investigated using earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) and fresh leaf juice of the plant. Anticancer test was done using cell viability assay. During anticancer test in the concentration of 1000µg/mL the percent of inhibition was 29.16%. In anthelmintic activity, the time of paralysis for fresh leaf juice was begin from 8 min 19 s and end to 38 min 21 s while the time for tested drug Albendazole was started from 9 min 19 s and end to 46 min 52 s. Besides, the time of death start from 10 min 35 s and end to 63 min 19 s for leaf juice and for Albendazole the time of death start from 22 min 36 s and end to 75 min 3 s respectively at several doses which suggest considerable anthelmintic activity of the plant. Neuropharmacological activity was performed by hole cross and light/dark box tests at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice contrast to the test drug Diazepam (2mg/kg). The extract significantly decreases the locomotor activity as shown by the results of hole cross test which indicate significant antidepressant property. The results also matching the activity in light/dark box test. Thus, the obtained results in the research work provide a support for the utilization of this plant for medicinal purposes and encourage further investigations for more fruitful results.