Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of the stem bark extract and chemical constituents of Bridelia ferruginae (Benth) Euphorbiaceae

Abstract

Anthelmintic properties of the stem bark extract and compounds isolated from Bridelia ferruginae were 
investigated. In relation to the traditional use of B. ferruginae against gastro-intestinal infections, 
bioactivity-guided fractionations of the CHCl3- and CH 2Cl2- soluble fractions of the 80% MeOH extract 
from the stem barks of B. ferruginae yielded two known triterpenoids: betuline (1), glucoside of 
betulinic acid (2) and other two known flavonoids: quercetin (3) and kaempferol (4). Structures of 
compounds 1 to 4 were elucidated by spectroscopic studies and comparison with related compounds 
in literature. The time of paralysis and death of the parasitic worms: Fasciola gigantical (liver fluke), 
Taenia solium (tape worm) and Pheritima posthuma (earthworm, Annelid) were determined at 25, 50, 80 
and 100 mg/ml. The stem barks extract of B. ferruginae and isolated compounds demonstrated 
concentration- dependent anthelmintic potencies against parasitic worms assayed. Structural-activity 
relationship is explained.