Anthelmintic activity of Holoptelia integrifolia Roxb. leaves

Abstract

Helminths are parasitic worms. They are the most common infectious agents of humans in developing countries and produce a global burden of disease that exceeds better-known conditions, including malaria and tuberculosis. The World Health Organization estimates that a staggering two billion people harbor parasitic worm infections. Parasitic worms also infect livestock and crops, affecting food production with a resultant economic impact. Despite this prevalence of parasitic infections, the research on the Anthelmintic drug is sparse. According to the WHO, only a few drugs are used in treatment of helminthes in humans. Anthelmintic from natural sources could play a key role in the treatment of these parasite infections. Holoptelia integrifolia bark and leaves are bitter, astringent, acrid, thermogenic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, carminative, laxative, Anthelmintic, depurative and urinary astringent. They are useful in vital conditions of kapha and pitta, inflammations, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, helminthiasis, vomiting, skin diseases, leprosy, diabetes, hemorrhoids and rheumatism. Alcohol, Water, succesive Chloroform and Methanol extract of Holoptelia integrifolia leaves shown dose dependant Anthelmintic activity against earth worm (P. posthuma).