Pharmacological investigations of sticky viscome extract (Cleome viscosa L.) in rats,mice and guinea-pigs

The aqueous extract of seeds of Cleome viscosa L. has been studied for its pharmacological activities. It was found to be nontoxic when dosed orally and intraperitoneally to rats and mice. The extract showed significant analgesic activity in mice and local anaesthetic activity in guinea-pigs. It potentiated the barbiturate sleeping time in rats and had a mild laxative effect, increasing the passage of soft faeces. It failed to protect against convulsions induced by picrotoxin in rats. The results are discussed in terms of the alleged uses of the plant in folklore medicine.