Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE FOR ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY

M. Gurumorthi*, P. Dinesh Kumar, R. Dinesh, J. Barathkumar, M. Pooja, B. Dhiyaneshwar, S. Naveen Kumar, G. Ranjith, G. Pukazhenthi and E. Ajay

ABSTRACT

Helminthiasis, a parasitic infection caused by helminths, poses a significant global health burden. Traditional herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat helminth infections, offering a rich source of anthelmintic agents. This comprehensive review explores the in-vitro anthelmintic activity of various herbal extracts. A detailed examination of 37 medicinal plants across 23 families highlights their efficacy in combating a range of parasitic species. Active ingredients such as alkaloids, gallotannins, saponins, and flavonoids are identified as key components contributing to the anthelmintic properties of these herbs. Notable plants include Acacia nilotica, Acalypha indica, Allium sativum, and Curcuma caesia, which have shown significant activity against parasites like Haemonchus contortus, Pheretima posthuma, and Ascaris lumbricoides. The review aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary science, promoting a holisticapproach to parasite control and management.

Keywords: Helminthiasis, Anthelmintic plants, Traditional medicine, Medicinal herbs.