Anthelmintic Effects of Marsdenia tenacissima Root Extracts on Pheretima posthuma: Role of Extraction Method and Phytochemistry

The study investigates the extraction methods, phytochemical profile, and anthelmintic activity of alcoholic (A) and hydroalcoholic (HA) of Marsdenia tenacissima (MT) root. Using maceration (M) and Soxhlet extraction (S), four extracts were prepared namely, MTAM, MTHAM, MTAS, and MTHAS with yields of 8.42%, 9.75%, 12.97%, and 11.25%, respectively. Soxhlet extraction produced higher yields overall, particularly with MTAS, due to its continuous solvent circulation. The choice of solvent also influenced yields, with hydroalcoholic mixtures performing better in extracting bioactive compounds. GC-MS analysis identified a total of 423 compounds across the extracts, with MTAS containing 114, MTHAS 101, MTAM 101, and MTHAM 107 compounds. Notably, MTAS and MTHAS, as well as MTAM and MTHAM, each shared 26 compounds, indicating overlapping phytochemical compositions among the extracts. The soxhlet and maceration extractions shared 58 similar compounds. The anthelmintic activity of these extracts was identified using the adult Indian earthworm, Pheretima posthuma, with paralysis and death times recorded. Albendazole, used as a positive control, exhibited significant activity, with a dose-dependent reduction in paralysis and death times. Among the M. tenacissima extracts, MTAS at 50 mg/mL demonstrated the shortest paralysis (79.6 ± 3.12 minutes) and death times (125.4 ± 2.48 minutes), highlighting its potential anthelmintic efficacy. These findings suggest that Marsdenia tenacissima, particularly the MTAS extract, possesses promising anthelmintic properties. Soxhlet extraction and the use of alcoholic solvents enhance the yield of bioactive compounds and the overall anthelmintic effect, supporting further exploration of this plant as a potential source of anthelmintic agents.