Evaluation of the aqueous extract of leaves of averrhoa carambola for pharmacological activity

Abstract

The aim of the study was to screen different chemical groups in aqueous extract of leaves of Averrhoa carambola and evaluate the pharmacological activities. The plant was reported earlier to contain anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties. The present study was conducted in vivo to evaluate the analgesic and anti-diarrheal activity of the aqueous extracts of leaves. Phytochemical screening of the sample indicated the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, and alkaloids. When tested for its analgesic effects on acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, the extract produced significant analgesia at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight and percentage (%) of inhibition was 32.78% and 36.89% respectively compared to the standard diclofenac at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. And when tested for its anti-diarrheal effects on castor oil induced defecation in mice, the extract produce antidiarrheal effects at dose 250 mg/kg body weight and percentage (%) of activity was 62.5% respectively compared to the standard imotil at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. The overall result obtained from the study suggests the analgesic and anti-diarrheal properties of leaves of the plant. The effect of both analgesic and anti-diarrheal of the aqueous extract was significant.