Anti-microbial and spasmolytic effects of <i>Holerrhena floribunda</i>.

Abstract

AIMS: To evaluate Holerrhena floribunda`s anti-microbial property and its effect on smooth muscles.
METHOD: Anti-microbial effect of H. floribunda was studied using the cup bore agar method and the effect of H. floribunda extract on guinea pig ileum was evaluated in-vitro.
RESULTS: H. floribunda did not inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aures, Bacillus subtilis and Proteus mirabis. Gentamycin, the standard drug used inhibited the growth of these organisms to varying degrees. It was also observed that the methanolic extract of H. floribunda leaves did not have effect on the ileum when used alone but decreased acetylcholine, histamine and KCL contractile effects on the guinea pig ileum.
CONCLUSION: The results showed that H. floribunda is not effective in the treatment of infectious diseases as claimed by Traditional medical practitioners but may be useful in the management of colic (stomach) pain. The result on guinea pig ileum supports the claims of the actions of H. floribunda in folk medicine in the management of stomach pain.


Keywords: Anti- microbial activity, Holerrhena floribunda, smooth muscles

Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 5 (2) 2007 pp. 42-49