Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Potential of Clerodendrum Wallichii (Merr.) Leaves

Clerodendrum wallichii Merr. (Family: Lamiaceae) commonly known as Sampulis is native to southern Asia from the Himalayas to Southern China. In India, it is found in Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. Traditionally, it is used against diarrhea, skin infection, inflammation and fever. The plant has never been evaluated for anti- diarrheal activity. Thus, it was considered worthwhile to evaluate anti-diarrheal effect of C. wallichii leaves in rats. Hydro-alcohol extract was prepared and fractionated using n-hexane and chloroform. Diarrhea was induced with castor oil and magnesium sulphate. Colorimetric method was employed for the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content. Hydro-alcohol extract showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-diarrheal activity. Furthermore, amongst various fractions of hydro-alcohol extract, only chloroform fraction exhibited potent anti-diarrheal activity (p < 0.05). The findings of current investigation suggest that C. wallichii possesses anti-diarrheal activity and could serve as a potential source for the treatment of diarrhea