Anthelminthic Activity of Stems of Opuntia vulgaris Mill.

Abstract

The anthelmintic activity of aqueous extract of dried stems and the isolated saponin from fresh stems of Opuntia vulgaris were evaluated separately on adult Indian earthworm (Pheretima posthuma) and the activities were compared with standard drug piperazine citrate. Both aqueous extract and saponin exhibited dose dependent action on inhibition of spontaneous motility (paralysis) and death of earthworms. Saponin showed remarkably higher anthelmintic activity than the standard drug piperazine citrate and the aqueous extract.