IN-VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF AERIAL ROOTS OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS

Abstract

Helminth infections are among the most widespread infections in humans. Ficus benghalensis L.

(Moraceae) is traditionally used in Indian system of medicine. Anthelmintic activity was evaluated using worms as experimental models. Test sample of Ficus benghalensis aerial roots extracts was prepared at the concentration 10, 25, 50mg/ml in normal saline solution. Standard drug used Albendazole (20mg/ml). Time for death of worms were recorded after ascertaining that worms neither moved when shaken vigorously nor when dipped in warm water (50^o c). Phytochemical constituents such as Phenolics, tannins, saponins, mucilage and alkaloids may be responsible for the anthelmintic activity. It may be concluded that methanolic extract of Ficus benghalensis possesses significant anthelmintic property.