Laxative Activity of Cassia auriculata Pods in Rats

Objective: To evaluate ethanol extract of pods of Cassia auriculata Linn at different doses (100, 200 mg / kg, p.o.) for laxative activity in rats. Materials and Methods: The ethanol extract of pods of Cassia auriculata was obtained by continuous soxhlet extraction and further assessed for laxative activity by charcoal meal test and feacal output in experimental rats and compared with standard senna. The extract was subjected to qualitative chemical analysis to identify the phytoconstituents. Results: Upon evaluation of Laxative activity on experimental animals, the ethanol extract at the dose 200 mg / kg, p.o. showed significant (P<0.001) laxative activity as observed from different evaluation parameters. However, the same at the dose 100 mg / kg, p.o. was less significant. The ethanol extract showed the presence of flavonoids, triterenoids, tannins, sterols and anthracene derivatives. Conclusion: From the results, it is revealed that, the active ethanol extract (200 mg / kg, p.o.) of Cassia auriculata pods is worthwhile to develop the bioactive principle for laxative activity and it is also concluded that, the anthracene derivatives present, could be attributed for the laxative activity.