ANTIDIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF PSEUDARTHRIA VISCIDA ROOTS

Aim of study: To evaluate the root extract of Pseudarthria viscida Linn, for antidiarrhoeal activityusing standard model.Material and methods: The roots of Pseudarthria viscida Linn were collected from Kolli Hills,dried and extracted with ethanol (95%). Wistar albino rats were used for studies. Castor oil was usedto induce diarrhoea and 200, 400 mg/kg of ethanol extract of Pseudarthria viscida (EEPV) was used to test antidiarrhoeal activity. Results were calculated by student “t” test, to assess statisticalsignificance.Results and Discussion: The extract showed dose dependant inhibition of frequency of defecation aswell as reduction in number of wet feces. The percentage inhibitions of faecal with 200 and 400mg/kg doses of ethanol extract were 48.14 and 62.96 respectively. The plant roots extract contains tannins and flavonoids, which could have contribution to the antidiarrhoeal activity.Conclusion: Ethanol extract of Pseudarthria viscida (EEPV) Linn possesses significant antidiarrhoeal activity.