In vitro anthelmintic activity and phytochemical characterization of leaves of Crassula ovata against Pheretima posthuma

Abstract

This study set out to assess the anthelmintic properties of Crassula ovata leaf extracts, using Pheretima posthuma as a model organism. The investigation explored two solvent systems—hydroalcoholic and methanolic—at varying concentrations (10, 25, and 50 mg/ml). The effects were evaluated by recording the time taken for the worms to become paralyzed and subsequently die. Among the test conditions, the methanolic extract at 50 mg/ml demonstrated the highest efficacy, inducing paralysis in approximately 2.12 ± 0.16 minutes and death in 5.18 ± 0.9 minutes. In comparison, the hydroalcoholic extract at 50 mg/ml required significantly longer, with paralysis and death occurring at 12.02 ± 0.9 minutes and 14.56 ± 0.43 minutes respectively. These results were contrasted with albendazole (25 mg/ml), which served as the reference drug and produced paralysis and death at 2.24 ± 0.16 minutes and 6.21 ± 0.71 minutes. The results indicate a clear dose-dependent relationship, where higher extract concentrations yielded more rapid anthelmintic effects. Notably, the methanolic extract outperformed the hydroalcoholic counterpart in all test concentrations. Further phytochemical analysis revealed that the methanol extract contained higher levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, compounds often associated with anthelmintic activity. These constituents likely contribute to the plant’s observed anthelmintic potential.