Comparative Evaluation of the In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Hibiscus hispidissimus Leaves, Tamarindus indica Pulp, and Carica papaya Leaves Using Pheretima posthuma

Helminthic infections remain a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries, due to poor sanitation and limited healthcare access. Increasing resistance to conventional anthelmintic drugs has encouraged the search for alternative plant-based therapies. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extracts of Tamarindus indica (pulp), Carica papaya (leaves), and Hibiscus hispidissimus (leaves) using Pheretima posthuma as an experimental model. The plant materials were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, and extracted using ethanol. The extracts were evaluated at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 mg/mL, with albendazole (10 mg/mL) as the standard drug. Anthelmintic activity was assessed by recording the time required for paralysis and death of the worms. Results were expressed as Mean ± SD (n = 6) and analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test. All three extracts exhibited concentration-dependent anthelmintic activity. Among them, Hibiscus hispidissimus demonstrated the highest activity, producing paralysis and death within 3 ± 0.2 min and 6 ± 0.3 min, respectively, at 20 mg/mL. This activity was greater than that observed with albendazole, which produced paralysis and death within 8 ± 0.3 min and 12 ± 0.5 min, respectively. Carica papaya exhibited moderate activity, whereas Tamarindus indica showed comparatively lower activity. The findings suggest that Hibiscus hispidissimus possesses promising in vitro anthelmintic potential. Further phytochemical characterization, toxicity studies, and in vivo investigations are required to establish its efficacy and safety for potential therapeutic applications.