In-Vitro Anti-Helminthic Activity of Figs extract of Ficus benjamina; A potential Hope

Abstract

Objective: Modern anti-helmintics has limited the effective control of the parasites due to number of side effects and development of resistant in helminthes. This renewed the interest in screening of medicinal plants for their anti-helmintic activity and the present study was design to investigate the anti-helmintic activity of Ficus benjamina figs. Material and methods: Three concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg ml-1) of methanol and aqueous extract were investigated for activity on adult Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). Results: Both the extracts show a dose dependant reduction in paralysis and death time of the worm, methanol extract was found to be more effective especially at 100mg kg-1. Conclusions: The anti-helmintic activity of extracts was comparable to standard Piprazine citerate, and could be effective against parasitic helminths of humans and animals.