Acute Toxicity and Anti-diarrhoeal Activity of Aqueous Extract of Aerial ‎Parts of Hygrophila Auriculata in Albino Rats

Abstract

Hygrophila auriculata (H. auricalata) plant extract was studied for it phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity and its anti-diarrhoea ‎l activity in albino rats using standard procedure. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and saponins. The acute toxicity of the extract was above 2000 mg/kg b. wt which is slightly toxic. The result of castor oil induced diarrhoea ‎ model indicates that the extract at all test doses was significant (p<0.05). Similarly, the extract produced a significant (p<0.05) decline in the weight and volume of intestinal contents at all tested doses. In addition, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test was also observed in all doses of the extract administered. This activity may be attributed to the presence of the identified phytchemicals in the plant extract. The results in this study confirmed the ‎anti-diarrhoea. ‎ ‎l activity of the aerial part of H. auriculata and hence support the folkloric believe and provide the scientific basis for the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of diarrhoea.