Evaluation of Anthelmintic Potential of Leaves and Fruits of Zanthoxylum rhetsa

Background: Zanthoxylum rhetsa of family Rutaceae is traditionally employed for treatment of intestinal worms, urinary tract infection, tooth ache, asthma, bronchitis and rheumatism. Thus, the objective of the study was to screen in vitro anthelmintic activity of leaves and fruits of Zanthoxylum rhetsa on Eisenia fetida and Tubifex tubifex. Material and Methods: Total methanol extract and solvent fractions of methanol extract were prepared by maceration and solvent solvent extraction process respectively. The chromatographic fingerprints of total methanol extracts of leaves and fruits were developed using HPTLC. Results: The leaf and fruit extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, essential oils and saponins. The extracts exhibited significant anthelmintic activity as evidenced by decrease in paralysis death time in the treatment groups when compared to standard. Conclusion: The results suggest that fruits and leaves of Z rhetsa have promising anthelmintic activity and further studies are required to identify the phytochemicals responsible for anthelmintic activity.