Anti-diarrheal, antipyretic and phytochemical investigation of methanolic extract of Ficus lyrata leaves

The leaves of Ficus lyrata warb ( Moraceae) is used to treat GI disorder such as diarrhea in folklore use. The aim of present research is to explore the antidiarrheal and antipyretic activity of methanolic extract of leaves of F. lyrata. The diarrhea was induced by using castor oil. The anti-pyretic effects were also explored on yeast induced pyrexia. The physicochemical analysis of powder such as (total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash, moisture content, foaming index and swelling index) along with organoleptic evaluation of leaf of F. lyrata in order to access the quality Purity of the substance was also done. The phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of F. lyrata leaves confirmed the presence of polyphenols, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and reducing sugar. The antidiarrheal activity of MEFL at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight showed 62% and 76% reduction in defecation respectively. The decrease in intestinal fluid accumulation at same dose revealed 67.2% and 75% reduction in fluid accumulation in intestine of Wister albino rats. The methanolic extract of F. lyrata showed reduction in distance travelled by charcoal meal such as 54% and 72% at dose 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. The antipyretic effect at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg showed significant reduction in temperature. The anti-diarrheal activity of the F. lyrata might be due to the presence of flavonoids.