Preliminary studies on antiinflammatory, antipyretic, and antidiarrhoeal properties of Evolvulus alsinoides

摘要

The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Evolvulus alsinoides L. (Convolvulaceae) was investigated for antiinflammatory, antipyretic and antidiarrhoeal properties in female albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out to confirm the presence of active chemical constituents in the plant extract, and the result showed a positive report for the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. The pharmacological result showed that the ethanolic extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight caused a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of hyperpyrexia induced by Brewer's yeast in rats. The extract also elicited marked antidiarrhoeal activity against castor oil-induced diarrhoea at a dose of 500 mg/kg. This study has proved scientifically the ancient claim that the whole plant of Evolvulus alsinoides has antiinflammatory, antipyretic and antidiarrhoeal activities.