ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF RHIZOME EXTRACTS OF CURCUMA LONGA AND ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (ZINGIBERACEAE)

Hydro‐alcoholic extracts of Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale and combination of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale rhizome extracts (1:1) were evaluated for their anthelmintic activity using Pheretima posthuma model (Indian earthworm). Three concentrations (10, 20 and 50 mg/ml) of each extracts were used for this study which involved the determination of time of paralysis (vermifuge) and time of death (vermicidal activity) of the worms. Extracts obtained from both rhizomes not only paralyzed but also killed the earthworms. Among the two drug extracts, Curcuma longa showed maximum vermifuge activity at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. Maximum vermicidal activity was shown in Zingiber officinale extract at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. Combination of hydro‐alcoholic rhizome extracts of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale also showed a significant anthelmintic activity. Observations were comparable with the standard drug at concentration of 20 mg/ml. On the basis of the observations, it is concluded that both Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale rhizomes extracts bearing a potential anthelmintic property