Anthelmentic Activity of Tridax procumbens Linn Leaves on Indian Earthworms

The aqueous and chloroform extracts of Tridax procumbens, linn belonging to the family Asteraceae were evaluated for anthelmintic activity. The dried powder of Tridax procumbens leaves was extracted and the anthelmintic activity was studied. Both aqueous and chloroform extract collected were tested for anthelmintic activity against Indian adult earthworm Pheritima posthuma and recorded the time taken for induction of paralysis and death. Two concentrations (25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml) of aqueous and chloroform were evaluated in the bioassay involving determination of time of paralysis (P) and time of death (D) of the worms. Piperazine citrate (10 mg/ml) was used as reference standard and normal saline solution as a control. Comparative results of present study indicated that the aqueous and chloroform extracts of leaves of Tridax procumbens linn shows significantly dose depending pharmacological activity on the Indian earthworms.