The extract (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) was administered to
groups of six mice, 60 min before the administration of the
cathartic agent magnesium sulphate in a dose of 4 g/kg. Following
the administration of the magnesium sulphate, the animals
were placed separately in acrylic cages with filter paper, which
was changed every hour. The latent periodwas measured and the
severity of diarrhoea was assessed each hour for 6 h.The number of respondents and the number of stools
passed during the 6-h period were noted for each mouse and
purging index was calculated as previously described.