Comparative Anthelmintic Activity of Different Extracts of Portulaca Oleraceae L.Whole Plant

Parasitic diseases, especially, helmenthiasis pose a threat to human health and livestock alike. This imposes a greater burden of health care expenditure in tropical countries where these are endemic. Recently, the research for naturallyderived anthelmintics has been encouraged. Portulaca olarecea, commonly called as Purslane, has been part of diet in Asian and Mediterranean region. In the present study, various extracts of Purslane were tested for their anthelmintic activity on Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). The anthelmintic activity of all the extracts was concentrationdependent and comparable to that of standard; while aqueous extract exhibited greatest activity. Further invivo tests and phytochemical research would shed light on potential activities of Purslane.