Evaluation of the Anthelmintic Potential of Pongamia pinnata Root Hydroalcoholic Extract against Tubifex tubifex

Background: Pongamia pinnata is a well-known plant traditionally employed in the treatment of various ailments. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the anthelmintic property of a hydroalcoholic extract of Pongamia pinnata root. Materials and Methods: Tubifex tubifex, commonly known as aquarium worms, were used as test worms for anthelmintic activity. The hydroalcoholic extract was prepared using soxhlation technique, and a comprehensive phytochemical analysis was subsequently conducted. The limit test, main test, and a comparative test were employed to evaluate the anthelmintic property of the root extract. The time taken for paralysis and death of Tubifex tubifex worms were recorded to determine the minimum effective concentration required to induce complete mortality within 4 hr, and to compare the effectiveness of the extract against the standard drug piperazine citrate. Results: Phytochemical screening of the extract indicated the presence of different phytoconstituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and saponins. In the comparative test, the lowest concentration of the Pongamia pinnata root hydroalcoholic extract induced paralysis and death of all the worms in 167.83±3.85 min and 231.17±5.52 min, respectively. At the same concentration as the root extract, the standard drug piperazine citrate resulted in paralysis and death of all the worms in 89.33±2.76 min and 143.50±2.02 min, respectively. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Pongamia pinnata root exhibits significant anthelmintic activity against Tubifex tubifex. Therefore, these findings support the rationale for using Pongamia pinnata root extract as a promising natural candidate for anthelmintic therapy.