ABSTRACT

One of the most common infections is helminthiasis. A significant section of the global population is affected by this degenerative illness. Comparative research was initiated to examine the anthelmintic potential of extracts of green and red leaves of Terminalia catappa against Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma. Two concentrations (25 and 50 mg mL-1) of aqueous and alcoholic T. catappa extracts from both leaves were evaluated in an anthelmintic assay by measuring the time required for worm paralysis (P) and death (D). The red aqueous extract (25 mg mL-1) significantly reduced paralysis time vs. the standard, indicating strong anthelmintic activity, while death times were similar. At 50 mg mL-1, both red aqueous and ethanolic extracts shortened paralysis and death times, highlighting their efficacy against parasites. This study revealed that the aqueous and alcoholic T. catappa extracts effectively induced worm paralysis and, at higher concentrations, led to worm death more efficiently than the standard drug.