Project Abstract

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Anthelmintic Tablets This project aims to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a novel herbal anthelmintic tablet formulation. Helminth infections, commonly known as worm infestations, pose a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries where access to quality healthcare and anthelmintic drugs is limited. The prevalence of these infections can lead to various health complications, including malnutrition, anemia, and impaired cognitive development, especially in children. Conventional synthetic anthelmintic drugs have been widely used, but they often come with side effects and the risk of drug resistance, highlighting the need for alternative, safe, and effective treatment options. The project focuses on the utilization of herbal extracts with known anthelmintic properties to develop a robust and user-friendly tablet formulation. Medicinal plants have a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of helminth infections, and many possess active compounds with promising antiparasitic activities. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of these natural sources, the project aims to create a herbal-based anthelmintic tablet that can serve as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic drugs. The study will begin with a comprehensive literature review to identify the most promising herbal extracts with documented anthelmintic activities. Based on this information, the project will involve the selection, extraction, and standardization of the chosen herbal ingredients. The formulation development process will include the optimization of various pharmaceutical parameters, such as the selection of appropriate excipients, tableting techniques, and quality control measures to ensure the desired physicochemical properties, stability, and ease of administration. The in vitro evaluation of the herbal anthelmintic tablets will be conducted using established models, such as the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model or the egg hatch assay, to assess the efficacy of the formulation against different helminth species. These studies will provide valuable insights into the anthelmintic potency, mechanism of action, and dose-response relationships of the herbal tablet formulation. Furthermore, the project will undertake in vivo evaluation of the herbal anthelmintic tablets using appropriate animal models. This phase will involve the assessment of the formulation's safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy in comparison to standard synthetic anthelmintic drugs. The in vivo studies will also investigate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the herbal tablet, providing crucial information for optimizing the dosage regimen and ensuring the effective delivery of the active compounds. Upon successful completion, this project will contribute to the development of a novel, safe, and effective herbal anthelmintic tablet formulation. The availability of such a product can significantly improve the management of helminth infections, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to conventional synthetic anthelmintic drugs is often limited. The project's findings may also pave the way for further research and development of herbal-based anthelmintic therapies, ultimately leading to enhanced global health outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals affected by these parasitic infections.

Project Overview