In vivo evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity of the leaves of Azima tetracantha Linn

The aqueous crude extract of the leaves of Azima tetracantha was studied for its phytochemical constituents and antidiarrhoeal activity using castor oil-induced diarrhoea and castor oil-induced enteropooling in rats. The phytochemical studies of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. The extract showed significant (p < 0.001) protection against castor oil-induced diarrhoea and castor oil-induced enteropooling at (100 mg/kg). The presence of some of the phytochemicals in the root extract may be responsible for the observed effects, and also the basis for its use in traditional medicine as antidiarrhoeal drug.