ANTI-DIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF RUMEX VESICARIUS SEED
The anti-diarrhoeal effects of ethanolic (90%) extract of seeds of Rumex vesicariusL. was studied using castor oil-induced-diarrhoea model and the weight and volume of the intestinal content was assessed using enteroopooling method in rats. Atropine (3mg/kg, i.p) showed significant reductions in fecal output and frequency of droppings whereas Ethanolic extract of Rumex vesicularus EERV seeds at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o significantly retarded the castor-oil induced enteropooling and intestinal transit. The gastrointestinal transit rate was studied and EERU at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly inhibited (P<0.001) weight and volume of intestinal content. Further studies has to be conducted to investigate and establish the mechanis m of its anti diarrheal activity.