Saponins and solvent extracts from Atriplex Laciniata L. exhibited high anthelmintic and Insecticidal activities

To investigate saponins and various solvent extracts from Atriplex laciniata (A. laciniata) against human parasites and various pests.

The samples from A. laciniata used in the activities were crude saponins (Al.SpF) and solvent samples including methanolic extract (Al.MeF), ethyl acetate (Al.EaF), choloroform (Al.CfF), n-hexane (Al.HxF) and water residual (Al.WtF). Anthelmintic potentials of the samples were analyzed against Pheretima posthuma (earthworms) and Ascaridia galli (round worms) using contact toxicity method. Insecticidal activities were performed against Heterotermes indicola (termite), Monomorium pharaonis (pharaoh ant), Tribolium castaneum (flour beetle) and Rhyzopertha dominica (grain borer) using standard protocols.

In anthelmintic assay, Al.CfF and Al.SpF were most effective against P. posthuma and A. galli with average death times of 25.62 and 29.65 min respectively. Likewise the anthelmintic assay, Al.SpF and Al.CfF were most effective against H. indicola causing 90.36% and 73.24% lethality respectively. Furthermore, in anti-Pharaoh activity Al.SpF, Al.WtF, Al.CfF, Al.MeF and Al.CfF exhibited highest activity with LD50 of 78, 220, 260, 330 and > 800 mg/mL respectively. Al.SpF and Al.CfF were highly effective against R. dominica causing 80.11% and 71.30% lethality respectively. Al.SpF was found most active against T. castaneum.

Our findings suggest that the Al.SpF, Al.CfF and Al.WtF extracted from A.laciniata L. may be the best options for the isolation of anthelmintic and bio-insecticidal compounds.