Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting and anti-dipsogenic activities of euphorbia hirta extracts

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