Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting and anti-dipsogenic activities ofEuphorbia hirta extracts

Abstract

The methanol extract obtained from the leaves and stems of Euphorbia hirta inhibited the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) by 90% and 50% at 500 μg and 160 μg respectively using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of the extract on thirst was examined using Wistar rats. Intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/100 mg body wt of the extract significantly (p <0.05) decreased the amount of water consumed by rats. This effect lasted for 2 h. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.