THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL AND IN VITRO ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF RIDGE GOURD FRUIT

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential and in vitro anthelmintic activity of ridge gourd fruit (Luffa acutangula) against Indian earthworms. Methods: For anthelmintic activity against Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma, Ascaridia galli, and Raillietina spiralis), various different extracts concentration of L. acutangula fruit have been taken. Five concentrations as 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/ml of various extracts were tested and results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and time for the death of worms. Albendazole (20 mg/ml) was used as reference standard and water (0.5%) as a control group. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the different extracts of ridge gourd fruit was shown to produce anthelmintic activities. In the present study, it was observed that all the extracts of ridge gourd fruit have exhibited a positive response to a certain degree of anthelmintic activity. Ethyl acetate extract exhibited more potent activity at the lower concentration of 10 mg/mL against A. galli (Roundworm). The anthelmintic activity of L. acutangula fruit extract has, therefore, been demonstrated