Abstract

Objective: To investigate the anthelmintic activity of Borassus flabellifer (B. flabellifer) Linn. leaves against Indian adult earth worms (Pheretima posthuma). Methods: The B. flabellifer leaves and Indian adult earth worms (Pheretima posthuma) were collected and authenticated. Earth worms were grouped and treated with extract at 10, 20 and 50 mg/mL concentration, albendazole (10 mg/mL) as a standard and normal saline. The paralysis time and mortality time was considered as indicator of anthelmintic efficacy. Results: All the extracts showed concentration dependent activity but significant activity was observed at 50 mg/mL. At concentration 50 mg/mL extract pertained better activity with paralysis time (13.3 min) and death times (17.92 min) when compared to standard albendazole. Conclusions: The study findings reveal that the methanolic extract of B. flabellifer leaves has effective anthelmintic activity against Indian adult earth worms.

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