Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-diarrhoeal activity of Malvastrum coromandelianum

Abstract

In order to scientifically apprise some of the anecdotal, folkloric, ethnomedical uses of Malvastrum coromandelianum, the present study was undertaken to examine the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrhoeal properties of Broom weed’s Hydroalcoholic extract (HEMC). The antinociceptive effects of HEMC were evaluated by hot-plate and tail-flick method. Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by carrageenan induced paw edema; while anti-diarrhoeal effect was evaluated by castor oil induced diarrhoea, charcoal meal test and PGE2 induced diarrhoea. Morphine (5 mg/kg), Diclofenac (100 mg/kg), loperamide (3 mg/kg) and atropine (0.1mg/kg) were used as standard drugs for comparison. HEMC was used in 200 and 400 mg/kg. HEMC produced significant antinociceptive effects against thermally induced pain. It also significantly inhibited carrageenan induced acute inflammation, and caused dose related antidiarrhoeal effect. Results suggest that it may act centrally and may inhibit the PGE2 to give anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrhoeal effects. Result of charcoal meal test also suggests its anti-muscarnic activity.