Background: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of ethanolic extract (EtAI), and aqueous extract (AqAI) of
Aristolochia indica
Linn roots on castor oil-induced diarrhoea and study on small intestinal transit. Phytochemical analysis of extracts was performed as per standard
procedure.
Materials and Methods: The oral toxicity study using Swiss albino mice was performed in accordance with OECD guidelines. The EtAI and
AqAI extracts of
Aristolochia indica Linn were studied for antidiarrhoeal property using castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model and charcoalinduced
gastrointestinal motility test in
Swiss albino mice.
Results: Among the tested doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, the extracts reduced the frequency and severity of diarrhoea in test animals
throughout the study period. At the same doses, the extract delayed the intestinal transit of charcoal meal in test animals as compared to the
control and the results were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Experimental findings showed that ethanol extract of
Aristolochia indica Linn root possess significant antidiarrheal activity and may
be a potent source of anti-diarrhoeal drug in future.
