In-Vitro Studies on Nauclea Latifolia (Uvuru-Ilu) for Vermicidal Activities in Heligmosomodies Bakeri Infected Mice

Nauclea latifolia has been used locally as herbal remedies for treatment of helminthic infections and other some other ill conditions. In this study, the phytochemical profile and the vermicidal activities of N. latifolia leaf extracts, Stem bark extracts and combination of the two extracts were evaluated in Heligmosomoides bakeri infected mice. Extracts prepared from the plant were subjected to phytochemical and acute toxicity evaluations. For the vermicidal trials, in-vitro study model were employed. The in-vitro study was carried out by applying the extracts to the worms in Petri dishes before larval counts in accordance with standard protocols. Results obtained from the phytochemical tests on the leaves and stem extracts revealed the presence of significant amounts of Saponins, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Tannins, Alkaloids, Phenolics and Cardiac glycosides. Steroids were obtained from the stem bark extract. Acute toxicity of 3,807.87mg/kg and 2,828.43mg/kg body weight were obtained for the leaf and stem bark extracts. The result obtained in the in-vitro model did not show significant fall in larval count in all the extracts when compared with Albendazole. Therefore, Nauclea latifolia may not be a safe and effective alternative vermicidal agent pending in-vivo trials of the plant.