Phytoconstituents of Vitex negundo may be an Effective Alternative in Parasitic Infection in Humans

Abstract

This present study was performed to evaluate an effective alternative over present medication against parasitic infection in human. Vitex negundo (Family: Verbenaceae) is a useful drugs in Ayurveda and extensively used by the tribal people. The phytochemical screening of Vitex negundo (leaves &bark) extract  showed  the presence of phenolics and flavonoids, those are responsible for antiviral, antibacterial, anti allergic, antihypertensive, antiarrythmic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects in mammals [1,2,3]. Our present studies was done on Pheretima posthuma model (Indian earthworm)to find out antiprotozoal effect).Three concentrations 10,20 & 40 mg/ml extracts of V.negundo (leaves and bark) were used for this study which involved the determination of time of paralysis (vermifuge) and time of death (vermicidal activity) of the worms, where the concentration of 40 mg/ml showed a significant anthelmintic activity. Observations were comparable with the standard drug at concentration of 10mg/ml.of piperizine citrate. Although more chemical as well as clinical studies are necessary to exhibits proven its potentiality to become of important pharmacological interest.