Abstract

EVALUATION OF SYNERGISTIC LAXATIVE ACTIVITY OF TRIPHALA AND CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS IN LOPERAMIDEINDUCED CONSTIPATION IN WISTAR RATS

Saloni Singh*, Prof. (Dr.) Vinod Gahlot, Dr Anuj Mittal

Abstract

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and difficulty in defecation, significantly affecting quality of life. The present study was designed to evaluate the synergistic laxative activity of Triphala and Citrullus colocynthis in loperamide-induced constipated Wistar rats. Healthy Albino Wistar rats weighing 150–200 g were divided into six groups comprising normal control, disease control, Triphala-treated, Citrullus colocynthis-treated, combination-treated, and standard drug-treated groups. Constipation was induced using loperamide hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, p.o.) for six consecutive days. Triphala churna and Citrullus colocynthis churna were administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg, while Bisacodyl(0.25 mg/kg) was used as the standard laxative drug. Various parameters including gross behavioral changes, body weight analysis, fecal output, and fecal water content were evaluated. The disease control group exhibited significant reduction in fecal output and fecal water content, confirming induction of constipation. Treatment with Triphala and Citrullus colocynthis individually showed moderate laxative activity, whereas the combination-treated group demonstrated significant improvement in fecal pellet count, fecal moisture content, and body weight restoration comparable to the standard drug-treated group. No significant toxicity or abnormal behavioral changes were observed during the experimental period. The findings suggest that the synergistic interaction between Triphala and Citrullus colocynthis enhances intestinal motility and promotes bowel evacuation. Therefore, the polyherbal combination may serve as a promising and safer natural alternative for the management of constipation.

Keywords: Triphala, Citrullus colocynthis, Constipation, Laxative activity, Polyherbal formulation.