Evaluation of Cardiotonic Activity of some Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cardiotonic activity of the aqueous, methanolic and chloroform extracts of the ischolar_mains of Hemidesmus indicus and fruits of Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula. The cardiotonic effect of aqueous, methanolic and chloroform extracts of the three plants was studied by using isolated frog heart perfusion technique (IFHP). Ringer solution without calcium was used as a vehicle for administration of aqueous, methanolic and chloroform extracts as test and digoxin as standard. A significant increase in the height of force of contraction (positive ionotropic effect) and decrease in heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) was observed and as compared to standard, test drug showed wide therapeutic index.