<i>In silico</i> and <i>in vitro</i> anthelmintic activity of β-sitosterol isolated from rhizomes of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Hedychium spicatum</i> Buch.-Ham.

Abstract

<i>Hedychium spicatum </i>Buch.-Ham. (Family-Zingiberaceae), commonly known as spiked ginger lily, is found in the entire Himalayan region. The rhizomes are reported to be used as tranquilizer, hypotensive, antispasmodic, CNS depressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, pediculicidal, cytotoxic and anthelmintics. The present study is an attempt to explore the anthelmintic activity of β-sitosterol isolated from the rhizomes of <i>H. spicatum </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic">by molecular docking with tubulin and <i>in vitro</i> activity<i> </i>against adult Indian earthworms, <i>Pheretima posthuma</i>. β-sitosterol binds very efficiently within the active pocket of tubulin which is better when compared to orientation of standard drug, Piperazine citrate. These results were also confirmed with <i>in vitro</i> study. The time taken for each worm for paralysis and death were determined. The time taken for paralysis and death with β-sitosterol at 40 mg/mL was comparable to standard Piperazine citrate.

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