A Comparative Study on Anthelmintic Effects of Citrus Limon and Murraya Koenigii Leaf Extracts

The study explores the anthelmintic properties of Citrus limon (lemon) and Murraya koenigii (curry leaf) leaf extracts as potential natural remedies against helminth infections which are a major global health concern, especially in developing regions. Using Indian earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) as test organisms, the study assessed the effects of ethanolic extracts at varying concentrations (5, 10 and 20 mg/mL) by measuring the time of paralysis and death. Albendazole (10mg/ml) and 1%v/v Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used as positive and negative controls. Results showed that both extracts exhibited dose-dependent anthelmintic activity, while Citrus limon being more effective than Murraya koenigii. At 20 mg/mL, Citrus limon caused paralysis at 78.67 minutes and death at 97.0 minutes, while Murraya koenigii caused paralysis at 83.83 minutes and death at 103.5 minutes. Statistical analysis confirmed significant efficacy compared to the negative control (DMSO), and at higher concentrations, Citrus limon showed effects comparable to the standard drug Albendazole. The findings suggest that Citrus limon and Murraya koenigii could serve as natural alternatives to traditional anthelmintic drugs, addressing concerns over drug resistance and limited treatment access.