Abstract

In this work, the chromatographic profile of the methanolic extract of Centratherum punctatum Cass. was determined by LC-MS. Also, the anthelmintic activity of the extract and its fractions was assayed against Eisenia fetida. Ultrasound-assisted maceration with methanol as solvent was used to obtain the crude extract. The extract was submitted to liquid–liquid partition with solvents (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water) for the obtention of the fractions. The crude extract and the fractions were assayed for anthelmintic activity using E. fetida as a model, being albendazole the positive control. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones were identified by LC-MS. The methanolic extract and the fractions showed a significant decrease in the times of paralysis and death compared to albendazole. These results suggest that the methanolic extract of C. punctatum and its fractions contain substances with potential anthelmintic activity. The plant could be a source of molecules useful for the development of new anthelmintic drugs.

Key words: Anthelmintic, Centratherum punctatum, LC-MS, Eisenia fetida