Acute toxicity, anthelmintic and antispasmodic potential of bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill)

Abstract

Background: : Medicinal plants have been gaining significant attention in recent years due to their rich repository of biologically active compounds, which serve as a foundation for new drug discoveries. Furthermore, the plant’s antiviral properties underscore its importance as a valuable resource in medicinal research.

Objective: This study aims to screen and determine mode of action of relaxant activity of extract of bark of Ailanthus altissima, which is traditionally used in treatment of gut spasms. The study also focuses on anthelmintic activity against round worms and tape worms.

Material and Methods: Ailanthus altissima (A. altissima) hydro-methanolic extract was tested against tape worms at three distinct concentrations: 100 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, and 400 mg/ml i.e.,Raillietina spiralis)and round wormsi.e,Ascaridia galli using albendazole and piperazine citrate as standard anthelmintic. A.altissimawas tested in isolated rabbits’ jejunal preparations for possible antispasmodic activity in concentrations 0.01, 0.03,0.1,0.3,1.0,3.0,5.0 and 10 mg/ml. To explain its possible mode of actions, the test samples were tried in similar concentrations against 80mM KCl-induced contractions. Concentrations Response Curves (CRC)weremadewith and without test samples using verapamil as standard calcium channel blocker. Acute toxicity testing was also carried out to establish an acceptable dosage range. Preliminary phytochemical screenings were also performed.

Results: Raillietina spiralis was found more sensitive to A.altissimain concentration 40 mg/ml as compared to Ascaridia galli which has a relative index of 1.3 for paralysis. LD50 for A. altissimawas 1500 mg/kg. With EC50 values of 1.65 0.12 mg/mL & 0.82 0.13 mg/mL (n=3), A. altissima suppressed both spontaneous as well as high K+-induced contractions. A.altissimashifted the CCRCs to right like that of verapamil.

Conclusion: The study shows that Ailanthus altissimapossesses anthelmintic and antispasmodic effects through inhibition of calcium channel blockade that confirm its traditional uses as anthelmintic and antispasmodic.