Anthelmintic Activity of Citrus medica L. Peel Extract in Indian Adult Earthworms

Citrus medica L. popularly known as ‘Bara nimbu’ in India belongs to family Rutaceae. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the in-vitro anthelmintic potency of the ethanolic extract of Citrus medica peels using Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthumad). The various concentrations (25–100 mg/ml) of the ethanolic extract were tested in-vitro for anthelmintic potency by determination of time of paralysis and time of death of worm. Piperazine citrate (15mg/ml) used as standard. The result of present study indicates that the Citrus medica L. potentiate to paralyze earthworm and also caused its death after some time. The shortest time of paralysis and time of death was observed at higher dose (100 mg/ml) which was comparable with standard. Thus, the present study demonstrate that the Citrus medica L. as an potent anthelmintic has been confirm as the ethanolic extracts of peels displayed activity against the earthworm used in study.