ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF ALLIUM SATIVUM IN LUMBRICUS TERRETRIS.

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, using Lumbricus terrestris as the test subject. Garlic is celebrated for its medicinal qualities, packed with bioactive organosulfur compounds like allicin, diallyl disulfide, and S-allyl cysteine, which are known for their various pharmacological benefits, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antioxidant effects. To prepare the hydroalcoholic extract, garlic cloves underwent maceration, followed by a thorough phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis that confirmed the presence of key phytoconstituents such as terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and saponins. The in-vitro anthelmintic activity was tested at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/mL, with albendazole (100 mg/mL) serving as the standard and normal saline as the control. The results showed a clear dose-dependent effect, with the extract causing paralysis and death in Lumbricus terrestris significantly near than the standard drug. At a concentration of 300 mg/mL, the extract led to worm death in just 25 minutes, compared to 60 minutes for albendazole. These findings indicate that the phytoconstituents in garlic extract, especially allicin, are likely responsible for its impressive anthelmintic activity.