Background:
Constipation is a common, predominant, chronic gastrointestinal functional disorder. The drugs
available to treat constipation are limited because of their side effects in long term use. So we need of efficacious drug to
treat constipation. Sapindus emarginatus Vahl belongs to the family Sapindaceae, commonly known as soapnut. Traditionally used for the antipruritic, antifertility, constipation, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Objective:
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the laxative activity of hydroethanolic pericarp extract of Sapindus
emarginatus (HESE) in animal models.
Methods:
The saponin content in extract was measured by gravimetric analysis. The laxative activity of hydroethanolic pericarp extract of Sapindus emarginatus is evaluated by the weight of feces matter, charcoal meal hyperperistalsis test, and
loperamide induced constipation model.
Results:
The saponin content of the soapnut pericarp was 13.48 % and the extract was found to be 11.92 %. The results obtained from these models showed a significant dose-dependent increase in fecal weight, peristalsis index, and moisture content compared to control animals.
Conclusion:
The present study concluded that the oral administration of HESE showed a significant laxative activity by using different animal models. The presence of triterpene saponins is responsible for this activity. Further studies are needed to
confirm their mechanism behind the laxative effect. The administration of extract was found to be a valid candidate in constipation therapy.
