What is the main therapeutic effect of anthelmintic agents?

The primary therapeutic effect of anthelmintic agents is to eradicate parasitic worms from the host organism. These medications are specifically designed to target and eliminate helminths, which include various types of parasitic worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. Anthelmintics work through different mechanisms of action, such as disrupting the metabolism of the worms, paralyzing them, or damaging their eggs, ultimately clearing the infection from the host.

The other options listed pertain to effects not typically associated with anthelmintic agents. For instance, reducing inflammation is a primary therapeutic effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, not anthelmintics. Similarly, while pain relief is essential in various therapeutic settings, it is not the focus of anthelmintic treatment, which addresses parasitic infections. Lowering blood pressure relates to antihypertensive medications, which work through different pathways unrelated to eradicating parasitic organisms. Thus, the focus on eliminating parasites fundamentally distinguishes the function of anthelmintic agents, making them crucial in treating infections caused by these worms.