Abstract

Herbal medicines have garnered attention for their perceived therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects compared to synthetic drugs. This study investigates the potential of Woodfordia fruticosa leaf extract as an anthelmintic agent, formulated into chewable tablets. The research began with the procurement and authentication of plant material from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Leaves were processed using various solvents, and preliminary phytochemical screenings revealed a rich chemical profile, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. In vitro anthelmintic assays using Eisenia foetida worms demonstrated significant activity of the ethanolic extract, comparable to albendazole.

The formulation development of chewable tablets involved meticulous granulation, compression, and evaluation for pharmaceutical parameters such as hardness, friability, and disintegration time. Physicochemical studies, including organoleptic assessments, melting point determination, UV spectroscopy, and compatibility studies using FTIR and DSC, confirmed the extract's stability and compatibility with tablet excipients. In vitro drug release studies showed controlled release characteristics over 90 minutes, with cumulative release exceeding 90%.

Stability studies over three months indicated satisfactory physical and chemical attributes of the tablets. Evaluation of tablet parameters like appearance, thickness, diameter, uniformity of weight, drug content, and friability further validated the formulation's robustness. The tablets exhibited significant anthelmintic activity, reflecting their potential for treating helminthic infections. This research underscores the integration of traditional herbal knowledge with modern pharmaceutical techniques, highlighting Woodfordia fruticosa as a promising natural anthelmintic agent in chewable tablet form. Further studies are recommended to elucidate its mechanisms of action and optimize its therapeutic potential.

Key words: Earthworm, Herbal, Helminthiasis Disease, Extraction, Dhataki Leaves