Antidiarrhoeal Activity and Total Tannin Content of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Codiaeum variegatum

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the antidiarrhoeal activity and determine the total tannin
content of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Codiaeum variegatum (Family- Euphorbiaceae). The antidiarrhoeal
activity was evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice and the total tannin content was determined by using
the Folin-Coicalteu phenol reagent. The ethanolic extract of leaves of C. variegatum showed a positive effect on
castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. In the antidiarrhoeal assay the extract inhibited the mean number of defecation
by 40.81% and 59.18% (p<0.01 & p<0.001) at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The latent
period for the extract treated group was (p<0.01 & p<0.001) increased as compared to control group. The total tannin
content was quite significant and high in ethanolic extract (241.41 mg/g of tannic acid equivalent). Phytochemical
screenings of the leaf extract indicated the presence of carbohydrate (reducing sugars), gums, steroids, alkaloids and
tannins. Therefore, the results of the present study provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of this plant as
remedy for diarrhea.