Phytochemical screening, formulation and evaluation of in-vitro anthelmintic activity of syrup from ethanolic extract of Cucumis melo leaves

• Author Details:   
• Perumal Perumal
• Aravindhan Velu
• Abinath Amarnath
• Surendhar Munusamy
• Ruthnakumar Senthil
• Nithya Murugan ^*

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Background: Helminthiasis is a common parasitic infection caused by helminths such as tapeworms, flukes, and roundworms affecting both humans and animals. Anthelmintic drugs are widely used for treatment. However concerns regarding drug resistance and side effects have led to the search for natural alternatives.

Objectives: This study focuses on the phytochemical screening, formulation, and evaluation of anthelmintic activity of syrup prepared from the ethanolic extract of Cucumis melo leaves.

Methods: The ethanolic extract of Cucumis melo leaves was obtained using the maceration method. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using Pheretima posthuma (earthworms) at four different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/ml). Albendazole (20 mg/ml) served as the reference standard while saline was used as the control. The formulated syrup was assessed for a range of physicochemical characteristics such as visual appearance, pH level, density, specific gravity and viscosity.

Results: Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenolic substances and glycosides. The extract showed notable dose-dependent anthelmintic effects. At a concentration of 100 mg/ml, the extract caused paralysis and mortality in 10.24 and 20.08 minutes respectively closely resembling the effects of Albendazole (8.46 and 15.55 minutes). The physicochemical assessment validated the appropriateness of the prepared syrup.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Cucumis melo leaves demonstrates promising anthelmintic activity and has potential for development as a cost effective natural therapeutic agent for treating parasitic infections.

Keywords: Helminthiasis, Roundworms, Cucumis melo, Pheretima posthuma, Albendazole.