Antifilarial activity of Centratherum anthelminticum seed extracts on Setaria cervi

Effect of aqueous and alcoholic extract of C. anthelminticum was studied on the spontaneous movements of the whole worm and nerve-muscle preparation of S. cervi. Ethylacetate, acetone and methanol extract showed similar effect, of causing inhibition of spontaneous motility of the nerve-muscle preparation of S. cervi characterized by decreased amplitude and frequency of contractions. The inhibitory effect on the motility was reversible. Further, the extracts did not involve the blockade of cholinergic receptors as evidenced by the presence of unaltered stimulant response of acetylcholine in the presence of drug in bathing fluid.