Laxative and Anti-Helmintic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Euphorbia thymifolia Linn

We here in explore scientifically the anthelmintic and laxative potential of traditionally used medicinal plants of India and substantiate the folklore claims. In present communication Crude aqueous extract of Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. (family: Euphorbiaceae) at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg was investigated for laxative activity according to Cappaso et al. in albino rats that were compared with standard drug agar-agar (300mg/kg, p.o.) in normal saline. The rats were fasted for 12 hours before the experiment. After 8 hours of drug administration the faeces were collected and weighed. The extract was found to produce significant laxative activity in dose dependant manner. Also the aqueous extracts of plant of Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. were investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli. Various concentrations were used in the bioassay, which involved paralysis and death time of the worms. Both the extracts showed significant anthelmintic activity.