Study on Activity of Alcoholic Extract of Glands and Hairs of Fruits of Mallotus Philippinensis in Murine Cestodal Infection Model

Objective: Mallotus philippinensis Muell-Arg has been commonly used in Indian medicine for curing intestinal worm infections. In this study the anticestodal efficacy of Mallotus philippinensis fruit extract has been evaluated in rat cestodal (Hymenolepis diminuta) intestinal infection model. Materials and Methods: The anticestodal efficacy of fruit extract was determined in the different groups of rats harbouring adult Hymenolepis diminuta infections by monitoring the eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. Results: Mallotus philippinensis fruit extract at 800 mg/kg twice daily for 3 days was observed to have curative efficacy against mature adult worms. The total follow up period of 90 days did not show any further excretion of eggs in the faeces of treated rats. Praziquantel at the dosage of 5mg/kg also produced a similar effect. Discussion: The treatment of Hymenolepis diminuta adult stage of parasite with ethanolic fruit extract showed dose-dependent decline in EPG count. The anticestodal activity emerged from this study may be attributed due to the presence of phloroglucinol derivatives, chalcones derivatives and some glycosides. However, an active constituent needs to be characterized further. Conclusion: The study showed that the alcoholic extract of fruit parts of Mallotus philippinensis possesses significant anticestodal activity and supports its use in the folk medicine.