Abstract

In the present study, the crude methanolic and its succeeding solvent fractions of the whole plant of Viola betonicifolia were investigated for its diuretic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal profile. The methanolic and n-hexane fractions were screened (at the dose of 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.]) for diuretic effects on BALB/c mice. The methanolic extract demonstrated a weak, but not statistically significant diuretic activity compared to the standard drug, while the diuretic effect of n-hexane was similar to negative control. The insecticidal effect shown was in low to moderate effect range. The crude methanolic extract and aqueous fraction exhibited 40% mortality against Callosobruchus analis, while chloroform and n-hexane exhibited 40% activity against Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica. No leishmanicidal effect was observed against any of the tested samples.

Key words: Viola betonicifolia, diuretic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal.