Abstract

In vitro studies on anthelmintic activity ofmodern drugs and aqueous extracts of curcuma aromatica and cosciniumfenestratum

Author(s): T.R.Prashith Kekuda, Sheeba Naaz, B.L.Sushma, S.J.Sudharshan, Syed Murthuza

The traditional medicines hold a great promise as a source of easily available effective anthelmintic agents to the people, particularly in developing countries, including India. In the present investigation, we have subjected five commercial anthelmintic drugs and aqueous extracts of two medicinal plants namely Curcuma aromatica and Coscinium fenestratum to anthelmintic activity using earthworm model. The results revealed the potential of the plant extracts in affectingworms.Mebex wasmore effective against worms whereas Piperazine was least effective in killing worms. Extracts exhibited dose dependent activity. Among extracts tested, Coscinium fenestratum was found to affect worms to a greater extent followed by Curcuma aromatica. The study was carried in vitro and experiments in animal models could possibly reveal the potential of the plants to inhibit worms. The anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts of plants could be due to the active principle present in the extracts.