Synthetic medicines are very effective in curing disease but also cause a number of side effects. A large variety of medicinal plants were used in ancient Siddha system of medicine. Now a day’s researches are mainly concentrates on that due to its efficacy, safety and easily accessibility. A large number of medicinal plants are claimed to possess anthelmintic activity in Siddha medicine. The current review focuses on the phytochemical screening and various in-vitro and in-vivo studies on some of the major plants such as Kuppaimeni (Acalypha Indica), poondu (Allium sativum), Madhulai (Punica Grantum), Malaivembu (Melia Azederach), Palasu (Butea Monosperma), Karum Seeragam (Nigella Sativa), Agathi (Sespania Grandiflora), Alinjill (Allingium Salvifolium), Veliparuthy (Pergularia Daemia) and Vaividangam (Embelica Ribes) which were claimed in Siddha system for its Anthelmintic activity. The review validates al the plants possess very effective anthelmintic potential based on Siddha literatures and recent researches.

Keywords: Siddha herbs, anthelmintic, helminthiasis , herbals, siddha medicine, Siddha literature.

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M.Neela

Medical Officer, National Institute of Siddha

Chennai, Tamilnadu INDIA