Background: Helminthiasis is a worldwide and one of the common disease of all age groups. The most common infection is through contaminated vegetables, drinking water and raw or undercooked meat. These contaminated foods may contain eggs of nematodes.

Aim of my study: To evaluate the anthelmintic activity of Saaranai Chooranam (SC), a siddha herbo-mineral formulation, which having the plant material Saaranai – Trianthema portulacastrum and Indhuppu – Sodium Chloride Impura. Indhuppu also having the property of anthelmintic & commonly used in worm infestations. The extract showed significant activity than the standard drug albendazole.

Materials and Methods: Worms collection Indian earthworms Pheretima posthuma of nearly equal size (8 to 10 cm) were collected from the water-logged areas. 

Procedure: Samples for in vitro study were prepared by dissolving and suspending (0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 1.25 and 2.5g) of hydro alcoholic extract in 50ml of distilled water at different concentrations ranging from 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500mg/ml.

Study Type: In Vitro: Pheretima posthuma was placed in Petri dish containing 10ml of the extract. Each Petri dish was placed with six worms and observed for paralysis and death, The results were expressed in comparison to the standard drug Albendazole (20 mg/ml).

Results: The data were statistically analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dennet’s test, and significant p value was considered as <0.05.

Keywords: Saaranai chooranam, Siddha medicine, Pheritima posthuma, Anthelmintic activity.

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Manoharan A

Professor & HOD, Dept. of Pothu Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College & Hospital, Palayamkottai-627002, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India