Screening of Crude Extracts of Medicinal Plants Used in Eritrean Unorthodox Medicine for Anthelmintic Activity Bereketeab Feven, Goitam Biniam, Gaim Debesai and Kaushik Atul*

The World Health Organization estimates that a staggering two billion people harbor parasitic worm infections. Parasitic worms also infect livestock and crops, affecting food production with a resultant economic impact. In view of this, an attempt has been made to study the anthelmintic activity to validate the Eritrean unorthodox medicines. In this study, aqueous extracts of Acacia etbaica, Commiphora myrrha and Heliotropium cinerascens were used and studied for paralysis and death of earthworm (Pheretima posthuma). The results were compared with that of standard drug. The aqueous extract of Commiphora myrrha showed better in vitro activity against the parasites than the standard (Mebendazole) in the concentration ranging from 50 to 100 mg/ml. Most of the extracts were found not only to paralyze (Vermifuge) but also having the cidal effect on the earthworms (Vermicidal). The present study reveals that the Commiphora myrrha was found to be most effective to execute the earthworm.