PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND ANTI-DIARRHOEAL STUDIES OF LEAVES OF FICUS THONNINGII

Abstract

The leaves of Ficus thonningii Blume (Moraceae) were subjected to pharmacognostic evaluation as well as anti-diarrhoeal studies using rats. Tannins, flavonoids, saponins and anthraquinone glycosides were detected. An intestinal transist test for the charcoal meal fed to rats was conducted. The aqueous methanolic extract showed a dose-related reduction in intestinal motility. Magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea was not inhibited by the extract. In the castor-oil induced diarrhoea test conducted, the rats showed signs of acute toxicity, a 40% death was recorded at the highest tested dose of 1.5kg/kg. At this dose, there was no stool. In all the doses, there was an initial increase in purgation by the 2nd h of the test, but this was followed by constipation. The results supported the co-occurrence of astringent and purgative compounds in the crude drug. The toxicity of the drug suggests that it is not recommendable for clinical use as an anti-diarrhoea drug.


Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.4 2000: 27-29