Evaluation of Ficus retusa L. Leaves with Special Reference to Antidiarrheal and Anti-spasmodic Activity.

Abstract

The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the traditional claim of Ficus retusa as an anti-diarrheal and anti-spasmodic agent using different pharmacological models. Diarrhea is considered as major cause of mortality, especially in children and aged persons. Because of diarrhoea, 17% of admitted children get die. In order to treat the diarrhea, natural drugs may be useful. In order to prove the traditional claim of Ficus retusa, present work was undertaken with objective to prove antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activity. The anti-diarrhoeal activity was evaluated by magnesium sulphate induced diarrhea and 5-hydroxy tryptamine(5HT) induced diarrhea. Further, the exact were subjected to gastrointestinal motility test using standard procedure. Finding of the present study suggested that significant response was exhibited by ethanolic extract (400mg/kg bw.) of Ficus retusa. The response towards bioactivity was dose dependent. It was concluded that 400mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract is most potent in antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic activity.