Evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activities of aqueous extracts of ocimum Gratissimum leaves in rats.

Abstract

Antidiarrhoeal activities of Aqueous extract of Occimum. Gratissimum leaves in rats were evaluated. These studies were carried out to determine the folkoric medicinal values of the plant leaves. Extraction of crude extract was done using standard method. LD50 was determined using the Locke Dietrich Method. Antidiarrhoeal activities of the extract were carried out using albino rats. It was observed that the aqueous extract of O. gratissimum showed no protective effects against castor oil induced diarrhea when compared with the standard drug, diphenoxylate. The extract showed some antibacterial activities in vitro. Therefore the extract possesses antidiarrhoeal property as accorded to it by ethnomedicine and that justifies the folkore use of the Ocimum gratissimum in the treatment of diarrhea.