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 CH₂Cl₂^-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. ferruginaeand isolated compounds demonstrated concentration-dependent anthelmintic potencies against parasitic worms assayed. Structural-activity relationship is explained.

Key words: Bridelia ferruginae, anthelmintic activity, betulinic acid, betuline, quercetin, kaempferol.