Analgesic, Antiinflammatory, Antipyretic and Antidiarrhoeal activity of roots of Berberis aristata

Abstract

In order to scientifically apprise some of the anecdotal, folkloric, ethnomedical uses of Berberis aristata, the present study was undertaken to examine the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antidiarrhoeal properties of hydro alcoholic extract of roots of Berberis aristata. The analgesic effects of Berberis aristata were evaluated by hot-plate and tail-flick method. Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by carrageenan induced paw edema, antipyretic effect was evaluated by yeast induced pyrexia. While anti-diarrhoeal effect was evaluated by castor oil induced diarrhoea, gastro intestinal motility test and PGE2 induced diarrhoea. Tramadol (30 mg/kg), Celecoxib (30 mg/kg), Diclofenac (40 mg/kg), loperamide (3 mg/kg) and atropine (5 mg/kg) were used as standard drugs for comparison. Hydro alcoholic extract of roots of Berberis aristata was used in 100 and 400 mg/kg. Extract produced significant analgesic effects against thermally induced pain. It also significantly inhibited carrageenan induced acute inflammation and Granuloma formation. Also produced antipyretic effect. And caused dose related anti-diarrhoeal effect. Results suggest that it may act centrally and may inhibit the PGE2 to give anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti-diarrhoeal effects. Result of charcoal meal test also suggests its anti-muscarnic activity.