As per the Indian traditional system of medicine, Baccaurea ramiflora stem bark is used for the treatment of constipation. However, no studies have explored the laxative effects of aqueous extract (juice) of Baccaurea ramiflora stem bark which may be due to the lack of availability of this indigenous wild edible plant. The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical constituents and the laxative activity of the stem bark of Baccaurea ramiflora. Fresh stem barks of Baccaurea ramiflora were collected, dried, extracted with water and evaluated by phytochemical analysis for primary and secondary metabolites viz. carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, proteins, fixed oils, gums and mucilage. The aqueous extract of the stem bark of Baccaurea ramiflora at doses (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) were screened for the laxative activity. The laxative activity was determined by the weight of faeces matter at 8th and 16th hours. The results were compared with standard Senna extract. Phytochemical investigation showed the presence of glycoside, phytosterols, terpenoids, carbohydrate, gums and mucilage in the stem bark. Aqueous extract of the stem bark of Baccaurea ramiflora showed significant laxative activity. The laxative property can be due to the phytochemicals present in the aqueous extract of the stem bark. Phytochemicals reported gave information regarding the various active constituents present in the drug. The laxative property can be due to the phytochemicals present in the aqueous extract of the stem bark. These findings revealed that oral administration of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Baccaurea ramiflora produce a significant increase in fecal output in wistar rats and stimulation of gastrointestinal motility. Moreover, isolation of the active principle is required to identify the compound responsible for laxative activity.
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