Phytochemical analysis and anti-emetic activity of Illicium verum Hook. f. fruit by chick emesis model

Abstract

Emesis defined as a forceful expulsion of stomach contents via mouth. The adverse effects of available anti-emetic drugs potentates us to evaluate natural products to explore effective natural anti-emetics with fewer side effects. The fruits of Illicium verum Hook. f. were selected for anti-emetic activity on the basis of their folkloric use against gastrointestinal complaints. Crude methanolic extract and its aqueous, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and hexane fractions were evaluated by copper sulphate induced chick emesis model. Emesis was induced by the oral administration of copper sulfate 10 ml/kg body weight and metoclopramide (150 mg/kg p.o.) as standard anti-emetic drug. The anti-emetic effect was observed by calculating the mean decrease in number of retches in contrast with that of control. Methanolic extract and its fractions were tested at the doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kgorally. Among all tested fractions, ethylacetate showed the highest (94.46%) and hexane showed the lowest (56.30%) anti-emetic activity at 50 mg/kg.Further, isolation and purification from the same fractions is in process to discover effective natural anti-emetic compound(s) with less unwanted effects.