SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON ARTEMISIA-HERBA-ALBA (ASSO) IN RABBITS AND MICE

The aqueous extract of Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (Compositae) produce d an initial hyperglycaemia which was followed by hypoglycaemia in nor moglycaemic and alloxan-treated rabbits and mice. The extract (0.39 g/ kg) significantly increased gastrointestinal transit time and the reac tion time to thermal stimuli, but had no effect on the activity of alk aline phosphatase or concentrations of creatinine and urea in plasma. Histopathological examination indicated mild hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes and proximal convoluted tubules. The duodenum showed mild oedema of the substantia of the mucosal propria. The plant extract sho wed weak antimicrobial activity.