A REVIEW ON ANTHELMINTHIC ACTIVITY OF AYURVEDIC DRUGS

Abstract

Intestinal parasites have been considered as a major public health problem throughout the world. Tropical countries have relatively much acute problem of worm infestation among adults & children due to various reasons. Modern anthelminthic medicines are very effective in curing worm infestation but also cause a number of side effects and sometimes may cause resistance. Herbal drugs are less effective in compare to synthetic drugs but are relatively free from side effects. As per Ayurveda, herbal drugs are used in treatment of different type of koshtgata krimis. The review presents various clinical and experimental evidences which support the efficacy of ayurvedic drugs like-Embelia ribes, Butea monospermum, Trachyspermum ammi, Dalbergia sisso etc against gastrointestinal worm infestation. These drugs have exhibited potent anthelminthic properties against Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Trichuris trichiura which are the most common gastrointestinal worm infestation.