Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity of Scleroderma bermudense of Different Solvent Extracts

Ashok B Chittaragi^* and Jayashree K Kodiyalmath 
Research Scholars, Dept. of P. G. Studies and Research in Applied Botany, Mycology Lab, Bio-Science Complex, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta-577451, Shimoga, Karnataka, India.

Abstract
Objective: Development of anthelmintic resistance and high cost of conventional anthelmintic drugs led to the evaluation of medicinal mushrooms as an alternative source of anthelmintics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anthelmintic activity of the fruiting bodies of Scleroderma bermudense extract using adult earthworm, Pheritima posthuma.
Methods: The fruiting body extracts of Scleroderma bermudense at different concentrations of 25mg/ml, 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml were tested, which involve determination of paralysis time and death time.
Results: It was found that the extract exhibited significant dose dependent anthelmintic activity. Piperazine citrate at various concentrations of 10mg/ml as standard reference.
Conclusion: The fruiting body extracts of Scleroderma bermudense possess anthelminthic property. Further investigations on pharmacological activity need to be carried out to unmask its mode of action.
Keywords: Scleroderma bermudense; Macrofungi, Anthelmintic activity; Mushroom extracts, Pheritima posthuma, Western Ghats.