Anthelmintic Activity of Leaves of Anethum graveolens against pheretima posthuma

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts of the leaves Anethum Graveolens against Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma).

Anethum Graveolens is commonly known as ‘Dill' and has been used in ayurvedic medicines since ancient times. It has been found to have antimicrobial, antifungal, carminative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, hypolipidemic activity. Different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 mg/ml) of aqueous extracts of the plants were studied for anthelmintic activity in terms of paralysis and time of death of the worms. Albendazole (20 and 40 mg/ml) was used as a reference standard and Normal saline as a control group. Our study found that extracts of different concentrations exhibited significant anthelmintic activity. The encouraging results indicate that aqueous extracts of the leaves of Anethum Graveolens can be considered as natural anthelmintic for the treatment of helminth infections, could be an inexpensive and readily available source of anthelmintic treatment.