Investigation of in vitro anthelmintic activity of Ficus vasta leaves

Background: Leaves of Ficus vasta (Moraceae) have been used to cure helminthiasis for human and animals in Ethiopia traditional medicine. Scientifically no data were reported on this plant. Objective: This study evaluated the scientific basis for the traditional use of Ficus vasta leaves as an anthelmintic agent. Methods: The study design were investigation of the traditional antihelmintic medicinal plant Ficus vasta (moraceae) crude extracts were evaluated using earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniea). An earthworm resembles both anatomically and physiologically to the intestinal roundworm parasites of human beings. Results: The four crude extracts of Ficus vasta leaves were Petroleum Ether extract (50 and 100 mg/ml), Chloroform extract (50 and 100 mg/ml), Aqueous extract (50 and 100 mg/ml) and Methanol extract (50 and 100 mg/ml). The paralysis time of Petroleum Ether extract (102±5.83 and 88±6.16), Chloroform extract (116±2.98 and 98±7.87), Aqueous extract (190±6.05 and 164±2.92) and Methanol extract (107±8.32 and 92±7.03) were compared to the standard drug Albendazole suspension 100mg/5ml (19±2.00). The four extracts showed significant anthelmintic activity. Conclusion: From these findings the four extracts of Ficus vasta are rich source of naturally occurring anthelmintic activity. Further work is recommended to evaluate the in vivo anthelmintic activity and toxicity of the extracts.