Screening of Fruit of Diospyros montana for Anti-Filarial Activity

Abstract

Objective: To screen the potential antifilarial activity of petroleum and alcoholic extracts prepared from fruit of Diospyros montana. Materials and Methods: In vitro study was carried out to see the effect of extracts on both the whole worm(w.w). preparation and nerve muscle (n.m) preparation of Setaria cervi, on the survival of microfilariae. Results: Petroleum extract produced initial stimulation followed by reversible paralysis in whole worm. The initial stimulation is not seen with petroleum extract on nerve muscle preparation. The alcoholic extract caused reversible paralysis in whole worm whereas irreversible in nerve muscle preparation. Conclusion: Fruit of D. montana was found to possess potential antifilarial activity.