Evaluation of Anti-Microbial and Anthelmintic Activity of Leaves of Melia Dubia

Abstract

This study evaluates the anti-microbial and anthelmintic potential of Melia dubia leaf extracts. The plant is traditionally known for its medicinal properties and contains various bioactive phytochemicals. Leaves were collected, shade-dried and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether and methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, steroids, carbohydrates and proteins. The anti-microbial activity was assessed using the paper disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. The methanolic extract exhibited higher activity compared to the petroleum ether extract, with maximum inhibition observed at higher concentrations, although standard drugs showed greater efficacy. Anthelmintic activity was evaluated using Pheretima posthuma earthworms. The methanolic extract demonstrated significant dose-dependent activity, reducing both paralysis and death time of worms. At higher concentrations (10–12 mg/ml), the extract showed effects comparable to the standard drug mebendazole. The findings suggest that Melia dubia leaves possess promising anti-microbial and anthelmintic properties, likely due to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents. This supports its potential use as a natural therapeutic agent for microbial infections and parasitic diseases, though further studies are required to isolate active compounds and validate clinical efficacy.