Available on line www.jocpr.com Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research __________________________________________________ ISSN No: 0975-7384 CODEN(USA): JCPRC5 J. Chem. Pharm. Res., 2011, 3(3):725-728 725 Skeletal muscle relaxant activity of methanolic extract of Rumex nepalensis in albino rats Surjeet Kumar*, Lincy Joseph, Mathew George, Lakhvir Kaur, Vivek Bharti School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, (H.P.), India ______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of methanolic extract of the leaves of Rumex nepalensis (MERN) using Rota-Rod method. MERN was administered orally at dose of 400mg/kg to Wistar Albino rats. The methanolic extract significantly reduces the fall off time (motor coordination), and highly significant (**P<0.01) at 30min of duration. Thus, the result suggested that the MERN possess skeletal muscle relaxant activity may be due to presence of different chemical compounds present in the extract. Key words: Rumex nepalensis, methanolic extract, skeletal muscle relaxant activity. ______________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION The genus Rumex comprises of about 200 species of herbs. Rumex nepalensis Spreng. (Polygonaceae) commonly known as “jungli palak” in Hindi. It grows abundantly in many parts of India. It is widely distributed in the temperate Himalayas, Western Ghats, Nilgiri and Palni Hills at altitudes between 1200-4300m. The use of Rumex nepalensis for various therapeutic purposes is well known in Indian traditional medicine. Many of them used for its astringent qualities. Leaf extract is applied to cure skin sores; leaf infusion is given in colic and applied to syphilitic ulcers. The pounded root is given to animals in case of diarrhoea and dysentery. Leaf powder mixed with butter is applied to treat scabies[1]. Aqueous extract used as wash for reducing body pain[2]. According to the research and as other species from genus Rumex shows purgative[3], analgesic, antipyretic[4], anti-inflammatory[5], and psychopharmacological activities[6] on the roots of Rumex nepalensis. In the present work is to evaluate the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of the methanolic extract of leaves of Rumex nepalensis.