Phytochemical evaluation and molluscicidal activity of Andrographis paniculata
Abstract
Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae), commonly known as “Kalmegh” is traditionally
used medicinal plant. In present study the laboratory evaluations were made to assess the
preliminary phytochemical screening and molluscicidal activity of Andrographis paniculata.
Maximum extractive value (3.134%) was found in water extract among test solvents. All
the tested metabolites were qualitatively present in ethanolic extract. Regarding molluscicidal
activity, the acute toxicity of the extracts on Lymnaea acuminata was evaluated by a
rapid screening procedure. Among the different plant parts (root, stem and leaf) powder
and ethanolic extract showed LC50 at 295.55mg/L and 19.73mg/L respectively. Screening of
plant extracts represents a continuous effort to find new antiparasitic drugs.