Pheretima posthuma.

The main aim of the study was to investigate phytoconstituents and anti-helminthic activity in the canthium parviflorum root. Roots were collected and shade dried. Extraction was carried out by continues hot percolation method using ethylacetate and methanol as solvents. Both the extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening, using standard methods, where as anti-helminthic activity was evaluated at three different concentrations on Pheretima Postuma; the parameters like time of paralysis and time of death were determined. The extract showed significant activity in the dose dependent manner and methanolic root extract showed significant activity than that of standard drug Albendazole. This might due to the presence of secondary metabolite tannins which are responsible for the activity.

Helminthes are the most common infections in man, affecting a large proportion of the world’s population. Study includes alcoholic extracts of Anacardium occidentale, Mangifera indica and combination of Anacardium occidentale and Mangifera indica leaves extracts (1:1) were evaluated for their anthelmintic activity using Pheretima posthuma model. Three concentrations (10, 20 and 50 mg/ml) of each extracts were used for this study which involved the determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worms. Extracts obtained from both leaves not only paralyzed but also killed the earthworms. Among the two drug extracts, Mangifera indica showed maximum vermifuge and vermicidal activity at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. Combination of alcoholic extracts of Anacardium occidentale and Mangifera indica also showed a significant anthelmintic activity. Observations were comparable with the standard drug at concentration of 20 mg/ml. On the basis of the observations, it was concluded that both Anacardium occidentale and Mangifera indica leaves extracts have a potential anthelmintic property.