European Journal of Medicinal Plants

Aims: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae has been documented for its antioxidant, anticancer, anthelmintic & neuropharmacological effects. Literature review of the plant revealed that some research works are performed during this plant. That’s why; this study was performed to gauge the antioxidant, anticancer, anthelmintic & neuropharmacological activities of the methanolic extract from the leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa (MEBD).

Method and Results: Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging assay using serial dilution concentration and the IC₅₀ was 1.51. Anticancer test was done using cell viability assay. During anticancer test in the concentration of 1000µg/mL the percent of inhibition was 29.16%. Anthelmintic activity was investigated using earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) and fresh leaf juice of the plant. In anthelmintic activity, the time of paralysis for fresh leaf juice was begin from 64 min 55 sec and end to 23 min 19 sec while the time for tested drug Albendazole was started from 76 min 09 sec and end to 30 min 43 sec. Besides, the time of death start from 71 min 09 sec and end to 29 min 54 sec for leaf juice and for Albendazole the time of death start from 82 min 19 sec and end to 38 min 18 sec respectively at several doses which suggest considerable anthelmintic activity of the plant. Neuropharmacological activity was performed by hole cross and light/dark box tests at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice contrast to the test drug Diazepam (2mg/kg). The extract significantly decreases the locomotor activity as shown by the results of hole cross test which indicate significant antidepressant property. The results also matching the activity in light/dark box test.

Conclusion: Thus, the obtained results in the research work provide a support for the utilization of this plant for medicinal purposes and encourage further investigations for more fruitful results.