Analysis of phytochemical constituents, anthelmintic and insecticidal properties of leaf extracts of hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit

Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical, anthelmintic and insecticidal properties of leaf extracts Hyptis suaveolens. Materials & Methods: Phytochemical constituents present in H. suaveolens were studied by analysis of different solvent extracts using standard methods. Anthelminthic assay was carried out for aqueous and methanol extracts against Pheretima posthuma. The insecticidal activity of aqueous extract was tested against Tribolium castaneum using filter paper impregnation method. Results: Phytochemical screening results indicated the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, caumarin glycoside, sapanoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, fat and oils, and phenols, tannins and terpenoids in different solvent extracts. The aqueous and methanol extracts showed anthelminthic activity against P. posthuma. The methanol extract showed the highest anthelmintic activity. The aqueous extract of H. suaveolens also showed insecticidal activity. On the third day, the insects were found to be paralyzed in the highest concentration (i.e. on 200 mg/ml) and after 96 hour onwards the extract showed good activity. After 144 hours, all the concentrations showed insecticidal activity. Conclusions: H. suaveolens contains vast array of phytochemicals and the aqueous and methanol extracts showed anthelmintic activity. Aqueous leaf extract also showed insecticidal activity against the red flour beetle, T. castaneum.