Exploring the Anthelmintic and Krumighna Properties of Vitex negundo Linn. (VN) for Indian Earthworms and Annelid Worms

Introduction: Helminth infections are a global health concern, especially in underdeveloped regions, contributing to anemia, malnutrition, and cognitive issues. Drug resistance to conventional anthelmintics like Albendazole and Piperazine Citrate necessitates alternative treatments. Vitex negundo Linn. (Nirgundi), known for its medicinal properties, shows promise as a natural anthelmintic. This study evaluates its ethanolic leaf extract against Pheretima praepinguis and Tubifex, comparing its efficacy with standard drugs to explore a safer alternative. Aim: To investigate the anthelmintic activity of Vitex negundo Linn. ethanolic leaf extracts in comparison with standard drugs. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extracts were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus from powdered aerial leaves. The anthelmintic assay involved exposing worms to VN extract concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 mg/mL, with mean period of paralysis and death times noted. Albendazole (20 mg/mL) and Piperazine Citrate (15 mg/mL) were used as standard drugs, with control as a normal saline. Results: Ethanolic extracts showed dose-dependent anthelmintic activity. At 50 mg/mL, Pheretima posthuma exhibited paralysis at 2.85±0.11 min and death at 13.92±0.30 min, while T. tubifex showed paralysis at 2.10±0.29 min and death at 8.75±0.54 min. Piperazine Citrate induced paralysis without mortality, and Albendazole demonstrated moderate efficacy with slower times to paralysis and death. Conclusion: Ethanolic extracts of Vitex negundo exhibited superior dose-dependent anthelmintic effects, particularly at higher concentrations, compared to standard drugs. The findings support its potential as a natural anthelmintic agent, warranting further research on its bioactive compounds.