EVALUATION OF CARDIOTONIC ACTION OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF LAGENARIA SICERARIA PULP ON FROG’S HEART

Abstract

The aim of this study is to the Herbal remedies are used worldwide for various diseases. They are safer and less expensive with lesser side effects than synthetic drugs. Lagenaria siceraria, the vegetable gourd, belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae is used as diuretic, cardio-tonic, cardio-protective and nutritive agent and traditionally in the treatment of jaundice, diabetes, ulcer, piles, colitis, insanity, hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and skin diseases. The present study was carried out to evaluate the cardiotonic effect of ethanol extract of pulp of Lagenaria siceraria (EELSP) in Amphibians such as the grass frog Rana pipiensin. After toxicity evaluation in albino rats two doses of the ethanol extract of Lagenaria siceraria pulp extracted with 90 % methanol using a Soxhelts apparatus was selected for the experiment. One grass Rana pipiensin frogs were taken and double pitching was done. Frog heart in situ was setup following standard procedures. Frog's ringer, Acetyl choline, Adrenalin and ¼ th Ca followed by two doses of EELSP was given one after the one and the graphing was recorded. The extract at 400 mg and 800 mg produced significant cardiotonic action. Thus the study elucidates that ethanol extract of Lagenaria siceraria pulp possess cardiotonic action at the doses of 400 and 800 mg.