Evaluation of In-vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Hydroethanolic Extracts of Musa Paradisiaca Linn and Helianthus Annuus Linn

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Helianthus annuus Linn. (Sunflower) and Musa paradisiaca Linn. (Banana) extracts against Pheretima posthuma (Indian earthworm), a widely accepted model for screening anthelmintic agents. Methods: Hydroethanolic extracts of Helianthus annuus and Musa paradisiaca were prepared and fractionated. The extracts were tested at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 mg/mL in normal saline. Earthworms were randomly allocated into eleven groups, with three worms of similar size in each group. Albendazole (100 mg/mL) served as the reference standard. Anthelmintic activity was assessed by recording the time required for paralysis and death of the worms. Paralysis was considered when no movement was observed except upon vigorous shaking, while death was confirmed by the complete absence of movement even after vigorous shaking and immersion in warm water (50°C). Results: All extracts exhibited significant anthelmintic activity, producing paralysis and death of the worms in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the tested fractions, the alkaline fraction of Helianthus annuus (pH 11) and the acidic fraction of Musa paradisiaca (pH 3) demonstrated the greatest potency, showing the shortest paralysis and death times compared with other fractions. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Helianthus annuus and Musa paradisiaca possess promising anthelmintic properties and may serve as potential sources of herbal therapeutics for the management of helminth infections. Further studies are warranted to isolate the active constituents and elucidate their mechanisms of action.