Original Articles
A. K. Azeem, Arun Rasheed, C.
Abstract
To evaluate the anthelmintic activity of Averrhoea carambola leaf extracts by in vitro methods. Averrhoea carambola (Family: Oxalidaceae) is a small evergreen tree about 9 m height with close drooping branches. It is found in tropical countries especially in South India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Java and China. Anthelmintic activity of the leaf ethanolic and aqueous extracts were estimated using adult Indian earth worm Pheritima posthuma and compared the results using the standard synthetic drug Albendazole. Two parameters of death and paralysis were evaluated in the study. The study revealed that both the extract showed significant dose dependant action, inhibition of spontaneous motility and death of organisms tested. The study indicates significant anthelmintic activity on the leaf extracts of Averrhoea carambola and the ethanolic extract was found to be more potent.