Phytochemical Profiling and Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity of Cyclea peltata Leaf Extract

Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson, traditionally known as "Haade balli" in Karnataka, India, has been an integral component of indigenous medicine systems for treating various ailments, including parasitic infections. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and anthelmintic potential of C. peltata leaf extract. The aqueous extract was prepared using reflux extraction method, yielding 28% w/w of dark brownish-black extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, resins, and terpenoids. The anthelmintic activity was evaluated using adult earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) as a model organism, comparing the efficacy with albendazole as a standard drug. The aqueous extract exhibited dose-dependent anthelmintic activity, with the highest concentration (6 mg/mL) demonstrating superior activity (paralysis time: 300 seconds, death time: 720 seconds) compared to lower concentrations. The standard drug albendazole (10 mg/mL) showed paralysis time of 420 seconds and death time of 1600 seconds. These findings indicate that C. peltata leaf extract possesses significant anthelmintic properties, potentially attributed to its rich phytochemical composition. The results show the traditional therapeutic applications of C. peltata in treating helminthic infections and suggest that it can be a potential candidate as a natural anthelmintic agent.