PHRMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS L.

Abstract

Pharmacognostical parameters for the leaves of Tridax procumbens L. (Family- Asteraceae) were studied with the aim of drawing the pharmacopoeial standards for this species. Macroscopical and microscopical characters, physico-chemical constants, extractive values of dry powder and its reaction after treatment with chemical reagents were studied. However, its functional properties and the underlying mechanism of action have not been clearly defined the present study was undertaken to evaluate anthelmintic activity of ethanol and aqueous extract of leaves of Tridax procumbens L. against Pheretima posthuma. Various concentrations (50- 150 mg/ml) of ethanol & aqueous extracts were evaluated in the bioassay involving determination of time of paralysis (P) and time of death (D) of the worms. Piperazine citrate was used as standard anthelmintic drug and distilled water was used as control. The results of present study indicated that the ethanol extract significantly exhibited paralysis (P<0.01) in worms in doses (50- 150 mg/ml). Further studies are in process to isolate the active principle/s responsible for the activity