Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Imperata cylindrica underground parts
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(2020) 20:332
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Imperata cylindrica underground parts Pawi Bawitlung Lalthanpuii
and Kholhring Lalchhandama*
Abstract Background: Imperata cylindrica is considered as an agricultural weed, but it is a valuable plant in the traditional medicines of Southeast Asia. In the Mizo traditional medicine of India and Myanmar, the rhizomes and roots are used as a remedy for bacterial, fungal and intestinal helminth infections. Methods: An extract of the whole underground parts was prepared in Soxhlet apparatus using chloroform as a solvent. After concentrating in a vacuum rotary evaporator, the extract was analysed using gas chromatographymass spectrometry. Anthelmintic activity was tested in vitro against the tapeworm Raillietina tetragona and the roundworm Ascaridia galli. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the structural changes on the helminths after treatment with the plant extract. Results: Twenty-two compounds were identified from the plant extract out of which fatty acids were the predominant compounds. Palmitic acid was the most abundant. Bioactive phytosterols such as campesterol and stigmasterol were also detected. The plant extract was significantly effective on both the helminths and showed dose-dependent anthelmintic activity as that of albendazole. The tapeworm treated with the plant extract showed deformities on the suckers, clumping of the spines, tegumental folds and erosion of microtriches. Extensive damage was also seen on the roundworm including cuticular shrinkage, collapse of the lips, and formation of warty surface throughout the body. Conclusion: I. cylindrica extract effectively killed and caused detrimental effects on parasitic tapeworm and roundworm. The study therefore validates the traditional usage among the Mizo people, and guarantees further investigation on the exact compound(s) and mechanism of action. Keywords: Anthelmintic, Medicinal plant, Roundworm, Scanning electron microscopy, Tapeworm
Background Helminthiasis is one of the most persistent scourges of the health and welfare of humans, livestock animals and wildlife. It remains the major factor of human debility, poverty, cognitive weakness and sometimes death [1], as well as of huge economic losses in animal industry [2]. According to the current estimate, roundworms alone * Correspondence: [email protected] Department of Life Sciences, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl, Mizoram 796001, India
infect 1.5 billion people worldwide [3], while schistosomes (flukes) account for 220 million cases [4]. Tapeworms are the least prevalent among them but are responsible for the worst outcomes such as neurocysticercosis, which cause permanent brain damage and premature fatality. Helminthiasis also intensifies other infections such as those of Plasmodium falciparum, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis [5]. No new drugs have been developed for several decades
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