Characterization of the Anthelmintic Activity of Murraya koenigii (Linn.)

Objective: To identify the most potent sub fractions(s) of the different extracts of the leaves of Murraya koenigii for the anthelmintic property. Methods: The dried leaves were subjected to soxhlet extraction using methanol, fractionated using n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol and water. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was done using standard techniques. The potent fractions were subjected to TLC and the appropriate solvent was selected for flash chromatographic separation of the extract. The sub fractions were tested for their anthelmintic activity in vitro using egg hatch assay and larval motility assay on Haemonchus contortus eggs and the most potent fraction was found out. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic, tannins and saponins in all extracts and the effect of the extracts could be due to these components. On TLC, toluene: ethyl acetate in 9:1 ratio was found to be the best mobile phase for hexane and chloroform fractions whereas cyclohexane: ethyl acetate at 6:4 was found suitable for butanol fraction. Of the sub fractions (SF), SF 3 and 11 of chloroform fraction showed better ovicidal activity whereas SF 2,6,7,32 and 37 showed best larvicidal activity. The larvae that were used for testing the larvicidal activity, were found to be sluggishly motile after half an hour incubation with the extract and were progressively dead on a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: The chloroform extract of Murraya koenigii and its sub fractions 2, 3,6, 7, 11, 32 and 37 possessed good anthelmintic activity and the isolation of active molecules is necessary for development of a novel anthelmintic.