Abstract: The present study was done with the aim to evaluate anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of Cassia occidentalis Linn using adult earthworm Pheritima posthuma. Various concentrations (25, 50, 75 mg/ml) of all extracts were tested and results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and time for death of worms. Albendazole was used as a reference standard and gum acacia in saline as a control group. Dose dependent activity was observed in all extracts Cassia occidentalis Linn.

1. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 42-46.
www.ijprsonline.com
ISSN: 2348 –0882
==============================================================================
Anthelmintic Activity of Ethanolic Extract Of Cassia Occidentalis Linn.
Sayyad RR1*, Kare RD1, Jagtap SM1, Katkar ST1, Kadam JH1.
1
Department of Pharmacology, SPM’s College of Pharmacy, Akluj, India.
* correspondence author:Mrs. Sayyad R.R.,Assistant Professor,SPM’s College ofPharmacy, Akluj,
India.,Email: raziya.shaikh2010@rediffmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract:
The present study was done with the aim to
evaluate anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of
Cassia occidentalis Linn using adult earthworm
Pheritima posthuma. Various concentrations (25,
50, 75 mg/ml) of all extracts were tested and results
were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and
time for death of worms. Albendazole was used as a
reference standard and gum acacia in saline as a
control group. Dose dependent activity was
observed in all extracts Cassia occidentalis Linn.
Keywords:
activity.
Cassia occidentals; Anthelmintic
INTRODUCTION:
Helminth infections are among the most
widespread infections in humans, distressing a huge
population of the world. Although the majority of
infections due to helminths are generally restricted
to tropical regions and cause enormous hazard to
health and contribute to the prevalence of
undernourishment, anaemia, eosinophilia and
pneumonia. Parasitic diseases cause ruthless
morbidity affecting principally population in
endemic areas. The gastro-intestinal helminthes
becomes
resistant
to
currently
available
anthelmintic drugs therefore there is a foremost
problem in treatment of helminthes diseases. Hence
there is an increasing demand towards natural
anthelmintics [1, 2, 3].
Cassia occidentalis called as Kasmard in
Sanskrit, Kasondi in Hindi and Coffee Senna in
English belongs to family Caesalpiniaceae. It is an
ayurvedic plant with huge medicinal importance.
Leaves of C. occidentalis plant have ethnomedicinal
importance like paste of leaves is externally applied
on healing wounds, sores, itch, cutaneous diseases,
bone fracture, fever, ringworm, skin diseases and
throat infection. The parts of the plant used are
roots, leaves and seeds. The plant is used for fever,
menstrual problems, tuberculosis, diuretic anemic,
liver complaints, and as a tonic for general
weakness and illness[4]. The plant is also used to
cure sore eyes, hematuria, rheumatism, typhoid,
asthma, and disorder of haemoglobin and is also
reported to cure leprosy. An infusion of the plant
bark is given by the folklore in diabetes[5].
Previous pharmacological investigations showed
that C. occidentalis leaf extracts have antibacterial
[6, 7], antimalarial [8], antimutagenic [9, 10],
antiplasmodial [11] and hepatoprotective [12]
activity. Chemical constituents isolated from C.
occidentalis including sennoside, anthraquinone
glycoside, [13] fatty oils, flavonoid glycosides,
galactomannan, polysaccharides, and tannins [14].
The present study was perform to study the
anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of Cassia
42

2. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 42-46.
www.ijprsonline.com
ISSN: 2348 –0882
==============================================================================
occidentalis on Indian earth worms (Pheretima
posthuma).
MATERIAL AND METHOD:
Procurement of plant material:
The fully mature, fresh leaves of Cassia
occidentalis was collected from Akluj city, Solapur
district, Maharashtra.
Identification and Authentication:
The fresh leaves was identified and
authenticated by Mr.D. N. Kutwal, Professor, Head
of Department of Botany, S.M.M. Akluj and leaves
was deposited in the Herbarium of the same
department.
Preparation of extract of leaves of Cassia
occidentalis:
The leaves were air dried at room
temperature and converted into fine powder with
using blender. 500 gm of dry fine powder was
suspended in 1.5 liters of ethanol then stirred
magnetically for 24 hours at room temperature. The
extract was double filtered by using musline cloth
and whatmann No. 1 filter paper. The filtrate was
concentrated to dryness to obtain crude extract. The
dried ethanolic extracts of Cassia occidentalis was
stored in desiccators under controlled conditions till
it used for experimental purpose.
Experimental animals:
Anthelmintic activity was evaluated on adult
Indian Earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) due its
anatomical and physiological resemblance with the
intestinal round worm of human beings [15]. The
Indian adult earthworms Pheretima posthuma
(Annelida) were collected from moist soil of the
field and washed with normal water and saline
solution to remove soil and fecal matter. The Earth
worms of 4-8 cm in length and 0.2- 0.3 cm in width
were used for all experimental parameters.
Drugs and Chemicals used:
Albendazole (Glasko Smith Kline) was used
as reference standard purchased from local medical
shop, Akluj. Chemicals ethanol (95% V/V) (S.D
fine chemicals, Mumbai).
Preparation of test sample:
Samples for experiments were prepared by
dissolving extract to obtain a stock solution of 100
mg/ml, from the stock solution, different working
dilutions were prepared to get concentration range
of 25, 50 and 75 mg/ml of ethanolic extracts (ECO).
For present study Albendazole taken as standard
drug. The concentration of standard drug was
prepared in 1% gum acacia to give 20 mg/ml
concentration.
Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity:
The evaluation of anthelmentic activity was
followed by earlier reported method [16]. Three
different concentrations (as given earlier) were
prepared and the group of six earthworms which
having equal size were released into 10 ml of
sample with desired concentration in petridish.
Observations were made for the time taken to cause
paralysis and death of the individual worms. Mean
time for the paralysis in any sort could be observed,
except when the worm was shaken vigorously. The
worms neither moved when shaken vigorously nor
when dipped in warm water (500C). Paralysis is
assumed to occur when they do not revive even in
saline solution. Potency is inversely proportional to
time taken for paralysis and / or death of parasite.
Statistical analysis:
The results were expressed as mean ± SEM
and statistically analyzed by ANOVA followed by
Dunnett’s test, with level of significance set at
p<0.05.
3. Results and Discussion:
In the present work, ethanolic extracts of
Cassia occidentalis leaves was used to evaluate
anthelmintic activity against Indian earthworms
Pheritima posthuma, Each extract containing 25,
43

3. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 42-46.
www.ijprsonline.com
ISSN: 2348 –0882
==============================================================================
50, and 75 mg/ml produced dose dependent
paralysis ranging from loss of motility to loss of
response to external stimuli, which eventually
progressed to death. As shown in table no.1
Table 1: Anthelmintic activity of ethanolic Extracts
of Cassia occidentalis leaves on Indian Earthworms
(Pheretima posthuma).
Time taken
Time taken
for
for death
paralysis
in minute
in minute
(Mean ±
(Mean ±
SEM)
SEM)
Name
of
Grou
p
Name of
extract &
Concentratio
n
Group
-I
Gum acacia in
saline (1%)
---
---
Group
-II
Albendazole
(20mg/ml)
34.7±0.55
39.0±0.52
Group
-III
ECO
(25mg/ml)
62.2±1.70*
*
70.5±0.81*
*
Group
-IV
ECO
(50mg/ml)
52.5±0.56*
*
64.3±2.40*
*
Group
-V
ECO
(75mg/ml)
30.0±0.37*
*
49.3±0.76*
*
Values are expressed as mean ± SEM.
(n=6), ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test,
*
p<0.05, **p<0.01 when ECO 25, ECO 50, ECO 75
groups were compared with Standard(Group-II).
ECO- Ethanolic extract of Cassia occidentalis.
The results of the current investigation
indicate that the ethanolic extracts of Cassia
occidentalis is the most potent and requires less
time to the paralysis and death of the worms.
Extracts showed a concentration depended
anthelmintic property. Chemical constituents
isolated from C. occidentalis including sennoside,
anthraquinone glycoside, [13] fatty oils, flavonoid
glycosides, galactomannan, polysaccharides, and
tannins [14]. Polyphenolic compounds shown
anthelmentic activity and some synthetic phenolic
anthelmentics are shown to interfere with energy
generation in helmintic parasites by uncoupling
oxidative phosphorylation [17]. Tannins possess
antiparasitic activity [18]. Reported anthelmentic
activity of tannin that they can bind to free protein
in GIT of host animal or glycoprotein on the cuticle
of the parasites and may cause death [19]. It is
possible that tannin contained in the ethanolic
extract of Cassia occidentalis leaves may produce
similar effect. From the observation ethanolic
extracts of leaves of Cassia occidentalis was
showed anthelmintic activity. The function of the
anthelmintic drugs, like albendazole, is known to
cause paralysis of the worms so that they are
expelled in the feaces of man and animals. The
extracts not only demonstrated this property, but
they also caused death of the worms. Synthetic
phenolic anthelmintics, like niclosamide, interfere
with the energy generation in the helminth parasites
by uncoupling the oxidative phosphorylation[20].
Another possible mechanism of action is that they
bind to free proteins in the gastrointestinal tract of
the host animal or to glycoprotein on the cuticle of
the parasite and by this cause death. Tannins have
also been shown to produce anthelmintic activities
[21]. From the observation ethanolic extracts of
leaves of Cassia occidentalis was showed
anthelmintic activity. After a brief stimulant effect,
earthworm lost their motility of exposure to crude
extract of leaves Cassia occidentalis. Ethanolic
extract of leaves Cassia occidentalis exhibited
anthelmintic activity in dose dependent manner
giving short time of paralysis minutes, and time of
death in minutes respectively with 75 mg/ml.
Therefore potency of drug was found to be
inversely proportional to the time taken for
44

4. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 42-46.
www.ijprsonline.com
ISSN: 2348 –0882
==============================================================================
paralysis / death of worms. The higher
concentrations of
ethanolic extract produced
paralytic effect much earlier and necrotic spots were
observed externally on the worms, with higher
concentrations. The effect of each ethanolic extract
was compared with Albendazole as standard drug
(20 mg/ml).
In conclusion, the traditional claim of leaf of
Cassia occidentalis as an anthelmintic have been
confirmed as the extracts displayed activity against
the worms used in the study. Further studies are
required to isolate and reveal the active compound
contained in the crude extracts of Cassia
occidentalis and to establish the mechanism of
action.
Conclusion:
Using the Pheretima Posthuma as the
animal models, we have shown that (ethanolic
extract) crude leaves powder of Cassia occidentalis
has potential to act against helminthiasis. Moreover,
the extent of anthelmintic effect of the leaves
powder is comparable to that of standard drug,
Albendazole being used against helminthiasis, in
general. This observation unambiguously suggests
that the leaves powder of Cassia occidentalis must
contain lead compounds that may provide profound
implications on designing de novo anthelmintic
drugs.
Acknowledgement:
The authors wish to express thanks to Mr. D. N.
Kutwal, Professor, Head of Department of Botany,
S.M.M. Akluj for identification and authentication
of plant.
References:
[1] Bundy DA. Trans Royal Soc, Trop Med Hyg, 8,
1994, 259-261.
[2] Tagbota S, Townson S. Adv Parasitol, 50,2001,
199-205.
[3] Sondhi SM, Shahu R, Magan Archana. Indian
Drugs, 31,7,1994, 317-320.
[4] Krithikar KR, Basu BD. Cassia occidentalis,
Indian Medicinal Plants, II edition, 1999,860.
[5] The Wealth of India. A dictionary of Indian Raw
Material and Industrial Products. New Delhi,
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,
1998, 350.
[6] Jain SC, Sharma RA, Jain R, Mittal C.
Antimicrobial screening of Cassia occidentalis
L in vivo and in vitro, Phytotherapy Research,
121,1998, 200-204.
[7] Saganuwan AS, Gulumbe ML. Evaluation of in
vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical
constituents of Cassia occidentalis. Animal
Research International, 3, 2006, 566-569.
[8]Tona L, Ngimbi NP, Tsakala M, Mesia K, et al.
Antimalarial activity of 20 crude extracts from
nine African medicinal plants used in Kinshasa
Congo. Journal of Ethnopharmacology,
681,1999, 193-203.
[9]Jafri MA, Subhani MJ, Javed K, Singh S.
Hepatoprotective activity of leaves of Cassia
occidentalis against paracetamol and ethyl
alcohol intoxification in rats, Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 661, 1999, 355-61.
[10]Sharma N, Trikha P, Athar M, Raisuddin S. In
vitro inhibition of carcinogen induced
mutagenicity by Cassia occidentalis and
Emblica officinalis. Drug and Chemical
Toxicology, 23, 2000, 477-84.
[11]Tona L, Cimanga RK, Mesia K, Musuamba CT,
et al. In vitro antiplasmodial activity of extracts
and fractions from seven medicinal plants used
in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal
of Ethnopharmacology, 93,2004, 27-32.
[12]Yadav JP, Arya V, Yadav S, Panghal M, et al.
Cassia occidentalis: A review on its
ethnobotany, phytochemical and
pharmacological process. Fitoterapia, 2009, 9-8.
[13] Yadav JP, Arya V, Yadav S, Panghal M, et al.
Fitoterapia, 81,4, 2010, 223-230.
[14] Lal J, Gupta PC. Experientia,30,1974, 850-1.
45

5. Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 2014, 02(1), 42-46.
www.ijprsonline.com
ISSN: 2348 –0882
==============================================================================
[15]Vidyarthi RD. A Text book of Zoology,14th
Edition, S. Chand and Co., New Delhi, 1967,
45.
[16] Bhusan M, Pawar, Nayana D, Int. J. Pharma
Tech Res,2,2,2010, 1483-1487.
[17] Nirmal SA. J. Sci. Technol. 29, 3, 2007, 755757.
[18] Wei Li. Afr. J. Agri. Res.4,9, 2009,898-902.
[19] Trapti R, Vijay B. Komal M. Aswar PB. Asian
J.Res.Chem. 2,2,2009, 181-182.
[20] Athnasiadou S, Kyriazakis I, Jackson F, Coop
RL. Direct anthelmintic effects of condensed
tannins towards different gastrointestinal
nematodes of sheep: In vitro and in vivo
studies, Veterinary Parasitol, 99, 2001, 205-19.
[21] Martin RJ. Mode of action of anthelmintic
drugs. Veterinary Journal,154,1997, 11-34.
46