In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity and Histological Alterations Induced by Eritrean Medicinal Plant Extracts in Pheretima posthuma

Traditional medicine in Eritrea, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and anthropological heritage, plays a vital role in managing various ailments, including intestinal helminthiasis—a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with a reported national prevalence of 2.82%. This study evaluated the anthelmintic potential and phytochemical composition of three traditionally used Eritrean medicinal plants: Albizia anthelminthica , Grewia ferruginea , and Stereospermum kunthianum . Cold and hot extraction methods were employed to obtain plant extracts, which were subsequently tested for anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma and compared with standard reference drugs. Phytochemical screening was performed to identify bioactive constituents, and histopathological examinations of treated earthworms were conducted to assess tissue-level effects. Among the tested extracts, A. anthelminthica exhibited the most potent anthelmintic effect at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, causing worm paralysis and death at 47 and 90 seconds, respectively. Histopathological analysis revealed severe structural damage to the musculature and internal systems of treated worms, indicating significant physiological disruption. The observed activity is attributed to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. These findings scientifically validate the traditional use of these plants in the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis and underscore their potential as sources for developing standardized herbal formulations or lead compounds for novel anthelmintic drugs. Further studies on isolation, characterization, and mechanism of action of active constituents are warranted.