Some <i> in vivo</i> and <i> in vitro</i> studies of the aqueous leaf extract of <i> Phyllanthus muellerianus</i> (Euphorbiaceae) in laboratory animals

Abstract

The aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus (5–30 mg/kg, ip) was found to induce behavioural sedation/sleep in young chicks (2-day old) resulting in decreased locomotor activity as well as pecking behaviour. The extract (0.16-1.4 mg/ml) relaxed the rabbit and rat ilea with the rabbit ileum being more responsive. The effect of the extract on rat ileum was antagonized mainly by propranolol and to a lesser extent by phenoxybenzamine (0.16 μg/ml). At doses ranging from 5–30 mg/kg, the extract produced a rise in cat blood pressure (BP) which increased with increase in dose. The rise in BP was also blocked by (2 μg/kg) phenoxybenzamine and propranolol. The extract (5-30 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.002) analgesia compared with the control and was found to possess anti-inflammatory properties which were dose dependent. The results of these studies showed that the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus muellerianus possesses pharmacological properties that bear relevance to its therapeutic claims by local users.

Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources Vol. 2(2) 2005: 93-99