Acute Toxicity and Antidiarrheal 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 antidiarrheal
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 diarrhea 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 antidiarrheal 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 diarrhea.

Keywords: Antidiarrheal activity; Castor oil; Gastrointestinal motility; H.auriculata;, Acute toxicity