Iswori Prasad Padhy

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study was investigation of antidiarrhoeal and antimotility activities of methanolic extract of musa sapientum (family- Musaceae) flowers and fruit peels. The phytochemical analysis of both extracts of Musa sapientum revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, proteins, coumarins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. The extracts were evaluated for castor oil- induced diarrhoea and intestinal motility test in rats. Both the methanolic extracts were significantly (p<0.05) and dose dependently reduced frequency of stooling in castor oil-induced diarrhoea and anti-motility action in intestinal motility test. These findings suggest that the methanolic extract of the musa sapientum flowers and fruit peels may contain some biologically active ingredients that are useful for the treatment of diarrhoea. Key words: Musa sapientum, Antidiarrhoeal, castor oil, antimotility, phytochemical    

Ipomoea digitata Linn. of family convolvulaceae with the synonym elephant potato and  commonly known as Bilaikand (Hindi) is an extensive perennial climber, with large ovoid or elongated tuberous roots. Root part of the plant used to cure various aliments by the locals and tribes in different part of India. Pharmacognostical studies (microscopical studies in the transverse section, proximate analysis and phytochemical investigations) are carried out to facilitate proper identification and standardisation of the crude drug.