Pharmacological studies on prokinetic and laxative effects of trianthema portulacastrum linn

Background The current investigation on Trianthema portulacastrum Linn T portulacastrum was undertaken to provide the pharmacological basis for its medicinal use as a laxative Method T portulacastrum whole plant extract Tp Cr was studied for in vivo laxative activity on mice and effect on isolated tissues preparations to find the mechanistic basis Results and discussion Tp Cr dose dependently and mg kg increased both total and wet fecal output in mice similar to castor oil indicating the presence of the laxative effect In spontaneously contracting isolated rabbit jejunum Tp Cr mg ml caused pyrilamine sensitive spasmogenic effect which was reproducible in guinea pig ileum On activity guided fractionation only aqueous fraction exhibited the stimulant activity whereas the organic fractions caused an inhibitory effect on spontaneous and K mM induced contractions of rabbit jejunum without causing any stimulation Conclusion This investigation indicating that T portulacastrum whole plant possesses laxative activity possibly mediated through histaminergic mechanism provides the scientific basis for the medicinal use of T portulacastrum in constipation