Adjective, Noun
/ˌænθəˈmɪntɪk/
Derived from the Greek words 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'helminth' meaning 'worm', combined with the suffix '-ic', indicating an adjective or noun form related to the subject.
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | مضاد الديدان | /muḍād al-dīdān/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 驱虫药 | /qūchóng yào/ |
| French | Anthelminthique | /ɑ̃tɛlmɛ̃tik/ |
| German | Anthelminthikum | /ˈantɛlˌmɪntɪkʊm/ |
| Hindi | एंटीहेलमिन्थिक | /ēnṭīhēlminṭhik/ |
| Spanish | Anthelmíntico | /ˌanθelˈmintiko/ |
| Russian | Антигельминтный | /antigʲɪlʲmʲintnɨj/ |
| Japanese | 駆虫薬 | /kuchūyaku/ |
| Portuguese | Anti-helmíntico | /ˌɐ̃tʃiɛlˈmĩtiku/ |
| Italian | Antielmintico | /antielˈmintiko/ |
| Korean | 구충제 | /guchungje/ |
Pronunciation of 'anthelmintic' may vary across regions, with the emphasis on different syllables in some areas. For example, in British English, it may be pronounced with a slight stress on the first syllable, while in American English, the stress is often on the second syllable.
The term 'anthelmintic' has been in use since the late 19th century, with the development of specific drugs aimed at treating parasitic infections. Its use became more widespread as the understanding of parasitic diseases advanced in medical science.
In traditional medicine, many cultures have used herbal remedies as anthelmintics. For example, neem and garlic have been common natural treatments in India, while in ancient Greece, the use of hellebore was noted for its supposed anti-parasitic properties.
Anthelmintics play a crucial role in modern medicine, particularly in the treatment of helminth infections like ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm diseases. These infections are most commonly found in areas with poor sanitation, and anthelmintic drugs help to clear the body of the parasitic worms. With the rise of drug resistance, the study and development of new anthelmintics remain vital in global health initiatives. In addition to pharmaceutical treatments, traditional practices, including the use of plant-based anthelmintics, continue to be explored in both scientific and cultural contexts.