Introduction: The infection caused by helminths is called as Helminthiasis. It is otherwise known as helminthosis, helminthiases, helminth, infection and worm infection. They often live in the gastrointestinal tract of their host, but they may also burrow into other organ, where they induce physiological damage. The different categories of worms consist of Roundworms, Pinworms, Threadworms, Whipworm Hookworm, Flatworms and Tapeworm. Objective: The present study was carried out to find the anthelmintic activity of Cardiospermum halicabum. Methods: The anthelmintic activity of Cardiospermum halicacabum was analyzed by in vitro method by using the Indian earthworms. The activity was performed and the paralysis time and death time were noted down. The anthelmintic activity of the extract was compared with that of the standard drug Albendazole. Results: The ethanolic extract at the concentrations of 100 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 300mg/ml showed paralysis and death time in 7, 6 and 36, 28 mins respectively. The effect increased with concentration. The extract caused paralysis followed by death of earthworms at all tested dose levels. Conclusion: The extract showed paralysis followed by death of worms at all tested dose levels. Based on the study the Ethanolic leaf extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum has potent anthelmintic activity.

The present review deals with medicinal plants having anthelminitic activity widely distributed worldwide. Medicinal plants or medicinal herbs are essence of traditional practice. Anthelmisintics or antihelminthics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that expel parasitic worms and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. Several preventive and corrective methods for modern medicine are available, however, it is not safe due to serious side effects .In order to overcome these side effects, there is a need of natural anthelminitic agents with minimal side effects. In ancient and modern pharmacology period, several number of medicinal plants having anti-anthelmintic efficacy. This review article gives the list of medicinal plants having anthelminitic activity.