In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of Borassus flabellifer Linn. (Palmae) against Pheretima posthuma

ObjectiveTo investigate the anthelmintic activity of Borassus flabellifer (B. flabellifer) Linn. leaves against Indian adult earth worms (Pheretima posthuma).MethodsThe 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.ResultsAll 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.ConclusionsThe study findings reveal that the methanolic extract of B. flabellifer leaves has effective anthelmintic activity against Indian adult earth worms.