Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Extracts from Over-seasoned Worm-casts of the Earthworm Hyperiodrilus Africanus Beddard, 1891

Authors

Stephen Olugbemiga Owa, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
David Adeiza Otohinoyi, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
Theresa Ibibia Edewor-Ikupoyi, Department of Chemical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Adeolu Adeola Taiwo, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
Jenifer Akhere Okosun, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
Yvonne Oluchi Akujobi, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
Damilola Grace Oyewale, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
Tomilola Debby Olaolu, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
Damilare Emmanuel Rotimi, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University
Osarenkhoe Omorefosa Osemwegie, Department of Food Science & Microbiology, Landmark University
Oluyomi Stephen Adeyemi, Department of Biochemistry, Landmark UniversityFollow

Abstract

⦁ Background: Despite the continuous interest in the search for therapeutic agents, little attention has been given to the medicinal relevance of earthworm casts, with even less interest in over-seasoned worm-casts. Therefore, this study determined the phytochemical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of over-seasoned worm-casts of the earthworm Hyperiodrilus africanus (Eudrilidae). Methods: The earthworm casts were extracted with n-hexane, ethanol, and water and the crude extracts were evaluated for the presence of chemical constituents and antimicrobial properties. Cytotoxicity was inferred from the antimitotic effects of the extracts on the radicles of germinating seeds of Sorghum bicolor. Results: The chemical constituent determinations revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and phenols. Screening the extracts for chemical constituents revealed that the ethanolic and aqueous extracts had more chemical constituents than n-hexane extracts. The ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus; the aqueous extract showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Furthermore, both extracts showed antimitotic activity against healthy cells of S. bicolor in a manner similar to that of the reference drug (cyclophosphamide). Conclusion: The study provides evidence, lending credence to the antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of over-seasoned casts of H. africanus.

Recommended Citation

Owa, Stephen Olugbemiga; Otohinoyi, David Adeiza; Edewor-Ikupoyi, Theresa Ibibia; Taiwo, Adeolu Adeola; Okosun, Jenifer Akhere; Akujobi, Yvonne Oluchi; Oyewale, Damilola Grace; Olaolu, Tomilola Debby; Rotimi, Damilare Emmanuel; Osemwegie, Osarenkhoe Omorefosa; and Adeyemi, Oluyomi Stephen (2022) "Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Extracts from Over-seasoned Worm-casts of the Earthworm Hyperiodrilus Africanus Beddard, 1891," Karbala International Journal of Modern Science: Vol. 8 : Iss. 3 , Article 8.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.33640/2405-609X.3246

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