SCREENING OF BIO-RELEVANT MEDIA FOR IN-VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ASSAY WITH AN OBJECTIVE TO CHECK THE POTENTIALS OF GARLIC FORMULATION FOR HELMINTH INFECTIONS

Abstract

Allium sativum L. (Garlic) belonging to family “Liliaceae” is a well known medicinal plant. In the present study, effervescent tablet dosage forms were prepared incorporating garlic powder as active ingredient with other excipients. Conventional anthelmintic assay methodology directs the use of saline solution for the study. In the present context the methodology is screened and validated for selection of bio-relevant media simulating in- vivo human gastric conditions. From the tested medias Saline solution (conventional method), Fed-State Simulated Gastric Fluid (Fe-SSGF) Early, Fasted-State Simulated Intestinal Fluid Updated version (FaSSIF-V2) were selected as an appropriate media for maintenance of worms. Pheretima posthuma worms (Adult Indian Earthworms) being easily available and due to their anatomical and physiological resemblance with the intestinal roundworm parasites of human beings are used as a suitable model for anthelmintic screening of garlic powder and garlic formulations. Dosage forms prepared were found to be equally effective at garlic concentration of 80 mg/ml compared to albendazole anthelmintic standard used. The present study is successful attempt to prove the therapeutic indications of the prepared formulations for helminth infections.