Laxative Activity of Root of Moringa pterygosperma

Abstract

Crude aqueous extract of root of Moringa pterygosperma (family: Moringaceae) at dose 100 and 200 mg/kg was investigated for laxative activity according to Cappaso et al. in albino rats that were compared with standard drug agar-agar (300 mg/kg, p.o.) in normal saline. The rats were fasted for 12 h before the experiment. After 8 h of drug administration, the faeces were collected and weighed. The extract was found to produce significant laxative activity in dose-dependant manner. The activity may be contributed to the phytoconstituents present.

Keywords: Moringa pterygosperma, laxative activity, faeces, agar-agar