BRINE SHRIMP LETHALITY BIOASSAY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAVES

Abstract

The methanol extract of Centella asiatica was evaluated for cytotoxic effect. Cytotoxic activity was investigated by brine shrimp lethality bio-assay (BSLB). The extract showed potent cytotoxic effect in Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay where the extract shows the value of LC50 and LC 90 is 1.905µg/ml and 3.350µg/ml after 18hr & 24hr repetitively. After 18hr & 24hr for n-haxane value of LC50 and LC 90 are 1.831µg/ml and 3.217 µg/ml and after 21hr & 24hr for CCl4 value of LC50 and LC 90 is 1.152 µg/ml and 2.195 µg/ml the study gave a mild indication to the use of the plant extract as a potential source for cytototoxic compounds. The mortality rate of brine shrimp was found to be increased with the increased concentrations of sample, and a plot of log of concentration versus percent mortality on the graph produced an approximate linear correlation. Toxicological activity, indicate that have potent anti-mutagenic activity, clot lytic property and anti-oxidative activity. The obtained results support for the uses of this plant as traditional medicine.