ASSESSMENT OF LACTUCA VIROSA LEAVES: IN VITRO H2O2 SCAVENGING ASSAY AND ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY EXAMINATION

The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and anthelmintic activity of Lactuca virosa leaf extracts in ethanol and water.Ethanol extraction yielded a higher percentage (18.2%)compared to water (11.60%),indicating ethanol's greater efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds.Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, phenols, steroids, flavonoids, and saponins, but anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides were absent.The antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract was evaluated using an H2O2 scavenging assay, where concentration-dependent free radical inhibition was observed.Although the ethanolic extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity, it was less potent than ascorbic acid.In the anthelmintic assays, both extracts demonstrated efficacy, but the ethanolic extract was particularly potent against Ascaridia galli and Raillietina spiralis, showing comparable effects to the standard drug, Piperazine citrate.The aqueous extract was less effective at all doses.These results suggest that Lactuca virosa leaf extracts possess antioxidant and anthelmintic properties, with ethanol being a more efficient solvent for extraction.The study highlights the therapeutic potential of Lactuca virosa and suggests further research into its bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action for possible medicinal applications.