Evaluation of Anti-Diarrhoeal Property of Crude Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Labiatae) In Rats

Abstract

The anti-diarrhoeal property of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum was investigated in Wistar albino rats. Aqueous leaf extract of this plant, at various doses tested (25, 50 & 100mg/kg body weight) displayed remarkable anti-diarrhoeal activity evidenced by the reduction in the rate of defecation and consistency of faeces in albino rats. The protective role of Ocimum gratissimum extract at 100mg/kg body weight was comparable to that of the reference drug, diphenoxylate (50mg/kg body weight). Ocimum gratissimum extract mimicked the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline on isolated guinea pig ileum by abolishing the acetylcholine – induced contraction of the smooth muscles of ileum and also exhibited anti-inflammatory action against agar – induced rat paw oedema in the dose range of 100 to 400mg/kg body weight. Like phenylbutazone, the ability of the extract to block oedemogenesis was more manifest at the second phase (5 – 6hrs) after induction of inflammation) of the reactions.

Key Words: Anti-diarrhoeal, Ocimum gratissimum, Oedemogenesis, Anti-inflammatory, Diphenoxylate

Biokemistri Vol.16(2) 2004: 122-131