ABSTRACT
Helminth infections cause both morbidity and mortality in humans and animals by affecting the parts of the body with the parasitic worms. These pathogenic worms are in general viewed under the microscope and only a few can be seen with the naked eye. Depending on the species, worms are broadly classified as flukeworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and trematodes. These worms are transmitted through ingestion of contaminated vegetables, drinking infected water, and consuming raw meat. The sign and symptoms of helminthiasis depend on the site of infection within the body includes immunological changes, malnutrition, and anemia. The major or minor inflammatory responses are observed in the skin, liver, lungs, and central nervous system. Different helminths can easily be identified through microscopic examination of eggs found in feces, by serological tests, and various antigen tests. The treatment strategies include prevention from multiplying worms and ultimately death of the parasite. Anthelmintic are the drugs exclusively used for the treatment of 30helminthiasis and other associated worm-induced diseases. This chapter focuses on the pathophysiology and various herbal drugs used for treating the helminthiasis and their pharmacological activities are highlighted.
