In-Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Luffa cylindrica Leaves in Indian Adult Earthworm

Abstract

Different extracts of L. cylindrica were taken for anthelmintic activity against Indian earthworm Pheritima posthuma. Two concentrations (50 and 100 mg/ml) of various extracts were tested and results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and time for death of worms. Albendazole (20 mg/ml) was used as reference standard and carboxy methyl cellulose (0.5%) as a control group. Dose dependent activity was observed in the plant extracts but methanolic extract exhibited more activity as compared to others. The anthelmintic activity of Luffa cylindrica leaves extract has therefore been demonstrated for the first time.