Antidiarrheal Activity of Methanolic Extract of Rumex nervosus

Rumex nervosus vahl leaves were evaluated for antidiarrheal potential against experimental models of diarrhea in mice and rats. Methanolic extract of leaves of Rumex nervosus vahl (LRN) was evaluated against charcoal meal test in mice and castor oil induced diarrhea in rats. LRN was given at two different doses of 0.5 g/kg p.o and 1 gm/kg p.o. The effects obtained were compared with atropine (5 mg/kg s.c). LRN (1 gm/kg p.o) produced significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility following charcoal meal in mice. It also showed significant inhibitory activity against castor oil induced diarrhea in rats. The effect produced by LRN was less when compared to atropine (5 mg/kg s.c). LRN (0.5 gm/kg p.o) did not show any significant reduction in castor oil induced diarrhea. However, it significantly decreased gastrointestinal motility when tested by charcoal meal test. The results obtained established the efficacy of LRN as an antidiarrheal agent.