No evidence of antiprotozoal property of asteracid weeds Sphaeranthus indicus Linn

Abstract

Introduction: Sphaeranthus indicus Linn, an asteracid weed, has been studied by various
researchers. The flower of S. indicus possesses biological activities like Nematicidal,
Larvicidal, Piscicidal and others, for example, agricultural. Objective: The present
investigation for the antiprotozoal activitiy of a methanolic extract (MeOHx) and
the alkaloidal fraction (SAF) of the flowers of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. has been
undertaken. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in seven groups of
the Paramecium sp. by using the hemocytometer technique. Different concentrations
of MeOHx (50 and 100 µg / ml) and SAF (20 and 40 µg / ml) were applied. The
percent mortality was calculated and the results were expressed by using the probit
analysis. Results: There was no significant activity against the tested protozoa.
Conclusion: Thus, the results of the present investigation suggest that MeOHx and
SAF are not responsible for the antiprotozoal property of S. indicus.