In vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Stem Extracts of Piper betle Linn Against Pheritima Posthuma

The mode of action of Albendazole is to cause paralysis of worms and to expel them in the feaces. Albendazole causes degenerative alterations in the intestinal cells of the worm. Degenerative changes in organs like endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria results in decreased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy required for the survival of the helminthes. Due to diminished energy production, the parasite is immobilized and eventually dies. The ethanolic extract of stems of Piper betle Linn not only demonstrated anthelmintic property but they also caused death of the worms when compared with marketed standard preparation i.e. Albendazole (40mg/ml) and different concentrations of aqueous extract. It is concluded that stems of Piper betle Linn is potent anthelmintic. Since this is the preliminary work, separation of chemical constituents which are responsible for the activity may be done in the future.