Elemental analysis, anticariogenic, insecticidal and anthelmintic activity of Anaphalis lawii (Hook.f.) Gamble

The present study aimed at determining elemental composition, anticariogenic, insecticidal and anthelmintic efficacy of Anaphalis lawii (Hook.f) Gamble (Asteraceae). Elemental composition of powdered leaf material was estimated by ICP-OES technique after microwave digestion. Anticariogenic activity of methanol extract was tested against 13 clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans by Agar well diffusion method. Insecticidal activity of methanol extract in terms of larvicidal efficacy was tested against second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Anthelmintic activity of methanol extract was determined using adult Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma. The contents of potassium and iron were high among macro and microelements respectively. The leaf extract showed dose dependent inhibition of all S. mutans. The larvicidal effect of the extract was found to be dose dependent and the mortality of larvae of A. aegypti was recorded as 100% at 1.5mg/ml and higher concentrations of extract. The leaf extract resulted in paralysis and death of worms in a dose dependent manner. The A. lawii leaf can be used as a source of various elements which play key role in the normal physiology of an individual. The plant can be used to treat dental caries and worm infections and to control insect vectors. The bioactivities of extract observed in this study might be related to the presence of phytochemicals. Further studies concerning fractionation of leaf extract and bioactivities of fractions are to be carried out.