Phytochemical and Pharmacological screening of Coccinia grandis Linn.

Abstract

Ethanol extract of Coccinia grandis Linn. (Family- Cucurbitaceae) were subjected to Phytochemical screening, which showed the presence of Alkaloids, Reducing sugar and Saponins. The pharmacological interest of these compounds, coupled with the use of this plant in traditional medicine encouraged to check Coccinea grandis (Linn.) for possible antimicrobial, antidirrhoeal and analgesic activities. The ethanolic extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg exhibited marked action against pain, (p<0.001), percentage of protection was 60% while the standard drug diclofenac’s percent of protection was found to be 76% at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. It showed no antidiarrhoeal activity at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight. The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant for traditional medicine and for its further investigation.