Antidiarrhoeal activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Baphia nitida (Papilionaceae)

Evaluation of Antidiarrheal Activity of 80% Methanolic Extract of the Leaves of Cordia africana (Lamiaceae) in Mice

Background

Diarrheal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. Currently available drugs are linked with adverse effects, contraindications, and risk of resistance. Traditionally, the leaf concoction of Cordia africana is claimed to be used for diarrhea. However, the safety and efficacy of the leaf extract have not been scientifically approved yet. Therefore, the study was conducted to validate its antidiarrheal activity and safety profile in mice.

Method

The hydromethanolic extract was obtained by the cold maceration technique in 80% methanol. Phytochemical screening tests were done for secondary metabolites by using standard tests. The antidiarrheal activity of the test extract at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was evaluated by using castor oil-induced diarrheal, gastrointestinal transit, and enteropooling models in mice.

Result

In an acute toxicity study, there were no visible signs of toxicity and mortality following a single oral administration of 2000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and tannins. The hydromethanolic extract significantly prolonged the onset of diarrhea and reduced the weight of wet and total feces at 100 (P < 0.01), 200 (P < 0.001), and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001) in the castor oil-induced diarrheal model. However, in the gastrointestinal transit model, a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the charcoal meal travel was observed in the middle (200 mg/kg) and higher (400 mg/kg) test doses. Similarly, the extract produced a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the weight and volume of intestinal contents at the aforementioned doses.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the test extract showed promising antidiarrheal activity. Hence, this study supports its antidiarrheal use in Ethiopian folklore medicine.

Mechanisms of antidiarrhoeal activity of methanol leaf extract of Combretum hypopilinum diels (combretaceae): Involvement of opioidergic and (α1 and β)-adrenergic pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plant Combretum hypopilinum Diels (Combretaceae) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea and other diseases in Africa. Previously, the antidiarrhoeal activity of its methanol leaf extract was reported. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for this activity is yet to be evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate the possible mechanism(s) of antidiarrhoeal activity of methanol leaf extract of Combretum hypopilinum (MECH) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity study were conducted according to standard methods. Adult mice were orally (p.o) administered distilled water (10 ml/kg), MECH (1000 mg/kg) and loperamide (5 mg/kg). The probable mechanisms of antidiarrhoeal activity of MECH were investigated following pretreatment with naloxone (2 mg/kg, subcutaneously), prazosin (1 mg/kg, s.c), yohimbine (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), propranolol (1 mg/kg, i.p), pilocarpine (1 mg/kg, s.c) and isosorbide dinitrate (150 mg/kg, p.o) 30 min before administration of MECH (1000 mg/kg). The mice were then subjected to castor oil-induced intestinal motility test.

RESULTS

The oral median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of MECH was found to be higher than 5000 mg/kg. There were significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the charcoal movement in the mice treated with the MECH (1000 mg/kg) and loperamide (5 mg/kg). The pretreatment of the mice with naloxone, prazosin and propranolol each significantly (p<0.05) reversed the antidiarrhoeal activity produced by MECH.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in this study suggest the probable involvement of opioidergic and (α₁ and β)-adrenergic systems in the antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanol leaf extract of Combretum hypopilinum.

Evaluation of carbon tetrachloride fraction of Actinodaphne angustifolia Nees (Lauraceae) leaf extract for antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic and antidiarrheal properties

Actinodaphne angustifolia Nees (Family: Lauraceae) is commonly used in folk medicine against urinary disorder and diabetes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, and antidiarrheal activities of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) fraction of leaves of A. angustifolia (CTFAA) in different experimental models. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using qualitative and quantitative assays, while antidiarrheal effects assessed with castor oil-induced diarrheal models in mice. The clot lysis and brine shrimp lethality bioassay were used to investigate the thrombolytic and cytotoxic activities, respectively. CTFAA showed antioxidant effects in all qualitative and quantitative procedures. The fraction produced dose-dependent and significant (P<0.05 and P<0.01) activities in castor oil-induced diarrheal models. Moreover, CTFAA significantly (P<0.05) demonstrated a 15.29% clot lysis effect in the thrombolytic test, and the brine shrimp lethality assay LC₅₀ value was 424.16 μg/ml bioassay. In conclusion, the current study showed CTFAA has significant antidiarrheal effects along with modest antioxidant and thrombolytic effects, and these data warrant further experiment to justify and include CTFAA as a supplement to mitigate the onset of diarrheal and cardiovascular disease.

Protective effect of SKB_Gutbiotic against castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea in laboratory animals

The aim of this study is to evaluate antidiarrheal activity of SKB_Gutbiotic against Castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea in Swiss albino mice and Sprague Dawley rats. In present study three doses of SKB_Gutbiotic were tested against castor oil induced diarrhea in mice. Its effect on co-administration with l-arginine was studied. SKB_Gutbiotic delayed onset of diarrhea, reduced fecal output and fecal weight. In Gastrointestinal transit time and Castor oil induced enteropooling, SKB_Gutbiotic significantly reduced peristaltic index and volume of intestinal content respectively. In E.coli induced diarrhea model, E.coli suspension was administered for 3 days for inducing diarrhea. SKB_Gutbiotic significantly and dose dependently reduced fecal output, improved fecal consistency, reduced fecal water content and improved WBC count. Histopathological images showed improvement in damage caused to the mucosal epithelium due to E.coli and also improved complete crypt cell architecture and integrity of goblet cells. These results indicated that SKB_Gutbiotic can be used as an antidiarrheal agent against castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea. It inhibits colonization of E.coli bacteria on colonic epithelium which results into decreased intestinal hypersecretion and motility which is very useful in the management of infectious diarrhea. Thus SKB_Gutbiotic could be an effective alternative to standard antidiarrheal drugs.

Evaluation of In Vivo Antidiarrheal Activities of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Dodonaea viscosa L.(Sapindaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice

Traditionally people used Dodonaea viscosa for the treatment of various ailments, including diarrhea. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of the 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice models. Different doses of 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were evaluated for their antidiarrheal activities using castor oil-induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal transit, and enteropooling models in Swiss albino mice. At all test doses, the plant extract showed significant (P < .05) inhibition in the frequency of defecation of wet feces and total fecal output as compared to the control group. Similarly, at all dose ranges used the plant extract demonstrated significant (P < .05) reduction in an intraluminal fluid accumulation as compared to the untreated group. Besides, at higher doses, the plant extract also indicated significant (P < .05) antimotility activity in comparison with the control. In conclusion, these findings illustrated that the 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa supported the traditional claim of antidiarrheal activity of the plant though further investigations are warranted.

In Vivo Anti-diarrheal Activity of Methanolic Extract of Streblus asper Leaves Stimulating the Na+/K+-ATPase in Swiss Albino Rats

Streblus asper Lour., traditionally used for anti-diarrheal effects as like dysentery and diarrhea. The present study aims to prove the anti-diarrheal activities of methanolic extract of leaves of S. asper in animal models. The anti-diarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhea models whereas anti-motility activities were investigated using gastrointestinal transit test examined in animal models. In castor oil-induced diarrhea model, methanolic extract of S. asper (MESA) at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg produced statistically significant (P < 0.001) decreased the number of diarrheal feces of rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea as well as magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhea model also showed the same manner. In gastrointestinal transit test, delayed gastric emptying time decreased significantly (P < 0.001), the propulsion of charcoal meal in the gastrointestinal tract which also showed a dose-dependent manner in rats. The recent study indicates that MESA possesses anti-diarrheal property. The findings represent a rational explanation for its use in traditional medicine for the management of diarrhea management.

Antidiarrheal Activity of Dissotis multiflora (Sm) Triana (Melastomataceae) Leaf Extract in Wistar Rats and Subacute Toxicity Evaluation

The present work was undertaken to evaluate antidiarrheal activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Dissotis multiflora (Sm) Triana (D. multiflora) on Shigella flexneri-induced diarrhea in Wistar rats and its subacute toxicity. Diarrhea was induced by oral administration of 1.2 × 10⁹ cells/mL S. flexneri to rats. Antidiarrheal activity was investigated in rats with the doses of 111.42 mg/kg, 222.84 mg/kg, and 445.68 mg/kg. The level of biochemical parameters was assessed and organs histology examined by 14 days' subacute toxicity. S. flexneri stool load decreased significantly in dose-dependent manner. The level of ALT increased (p < 0.05) in male rats treated with the dose of 445.68 mg/kg while creatinine level increased in rats treated with both doses. In female rats, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of the level of AST and creatinine was noted in rats treated with the dose of 222.84 mg/kg of D. multiflora. Histological exams of kidney and liver of treated rats showed architectural modifications at the dose of 445.68 mg/kg. This finding suggests that D. multiflora leaf extract is efficient against diarrhea caused by S. flexneri but the treatment with doses lower than 222.84 mg/kg is recommended while further study is required to define the exact efficient nontoxic dose.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous leaf extract of Caladium bicolor (Araceae) and its possible mechanisms of action

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Caladium bicolor (Araceae) is a horticulture plant also used by some traditional medicine practitioners in the treatment of diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity of the aqueous leaf extract of C. bicolor and its possible mechanisms of action in rodents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Normal and castor oil-induced intestinal transit and castor oil-induced diarrhoea tests were carried out in mice while gastric emptying and enteropooling tests were conducted in rats following the administration of distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.), C. bicolor extract (1-50mg/kg, p.o.) and loperamide (5mg/kg, p.o.). The probable mechanisms of action of C. bicolor was investigated following pre-treatment with yohimbine (10mg/kg, s.c.; α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), pilocarpine (1mg/kg, s.c.; non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist), prazosin (1mg/kg, s.c.; α1-adrenoceptor antagonist) and propranolol (1mg/kg, i.p.; non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist) 15 min prior to administration of C. bicolor extract (50mg/kg, p.o.). After 30 min of pre-treatment with these drugs, the mice were subjected to the castor oil-induced intestinal transit test.

RESULTS

C. bicolor extract did not produce significant (p>0.05) effect on normal intestinal transit unlike loperamide which caused significant (p<0.001) inhibition (61.57%). The extract caused significant (p<0.001) dose-dependent inhibition of castor oil-induced intestinal transit with peak effect, 100% inhibition, elicited at the dose of 50mg/kg compared to 86.97% inhibition for loperamide. Yohimbine and pilocarpine most significantly (p<0.001) reversed this effect of the extract. In the castor oil-induced diarrhoea test, the extract (1mg/kg) and loperamide significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) delayed the onset of diarrhoea. For diarrhoea score, the extract (1 and 50mg/kg) inhibited diarrhoea development (47.53% and 43.83% inhibition, respectively) like loperamide (5mg/kg; 54.94%). The in vivo antidiarrhoeal index of the extract at 1 and 50mg/kg was 50.07% and 42.81% respectively compared to 58.15% for loperamide.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this study suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of C. bicolor possess antidiarrhoeal activity due to its anti-motility effect possibly via antagonist action on intestinal muscarinic receptors and agonist action on intestinal α2-adrenoceptors. This justifies the use of the extract in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of leaf methanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antidiarrhoeal property of methanol extract of the leaves of Rauwolfia serpentina (R. serpentina) in experimental diarrhoea induced by castor oil in mice.

METHODS

Doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg R. serpentina leaf methanol extracts were administered to castor oil induced diarrhoea mice to determine its antidiarrhoeal activity.

RESULTS

All doses of the extract and the reference drug atropine sulphate (3 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a dose-dependent reduction in intestinal weight and fluid volume. The extracts also significantly reduced the intestinal transit in charcoal meal test when compared to diphenoxylate Hcl (5 mg/kg, p.o.).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the extract of R. serpentina leaves has a significant antidiarrhoeal activity and supports its traditional uses in herbal medicine.

Evaluation of the antidiarrhoeal activity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea Linn. Juss. (Amaranthaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pupalia lappacea is a medicinal plant found in savannah and woodland localities and forest path sides from Senegal to Southern Nigeria. It has been used in the management of diarrhoea in Nigerian traditional medicine. This study was designed to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea (PL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antidiarrhoeal activity of PL was evaluated using the normal and castor oil-induced intestinal transit, castor oil-induced diarrhoea, gastric emptying and intestinal fluid accumulation tests in rodents.

RESULTS

PL (100-400mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in normal and castor oil-induced intestinal transit compared with the control group (distilled water 10ml/kg, p.o.). This effect was significantly (P<0.05) inhibited by pilocarpine (1mg/kg, s.c.) but not by yohimbine (10mg/kg, s.c.), prazosin (1mg/kg, s.c.), or propranolol (1mg/kg, i.p.). The extract produced a dose-dependent and significant increase in the onset of diarrhoea. PL (100-400mg/kg) also reduced the diarrhoea score, number and weight of wet stools. The in-vivo antidiarrhoeal index (ADIin vivo) of 56.95% produced by the extract at the dose of 400mg/kg was lower compared to that produced by loperamide 5mg/kg (77.75%). However, PL (400mg/kg) significantly increased gastric emptying in rats but significantly reduced the volume of intestinal content in the intestinal fluid accumulation test. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, and fixed oils and fats. The acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract is relatively safe when given orally; no death was recorded at a dose of 10g/kg.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea possesses antidiarrhoeal activity possibly mediated by antimuscarinic receptor activity.

Anti-diarrhoeal and anti-microbial activity of Flos populi (male inflorescence of Populus tomentosa Carrière) aqueous extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Flos populi (male inflorescence of Populus tomentosa Carrière) has been traditionally used in East Asian countries for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, strengthening the spleen and stomach, anti-rheumatic, anti-tumor and anti-diarrhoeal.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the in vivo or in vitro anti-diarrhoeal and anti-microbial activity of Flos populi aqueous extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute toxicity of Flos populi aqueous extract (FPAE) was investigated. Castor oil-induced diarrhoea method was used to evaluate the anti-diarrhoeal activity, inhibition of defecation and diarrhoea were determined in mice, effects on castor oil-induced enteropooling, intestinal transit and intestinal fluid secretion in rats or mice. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of FPAE against strains of three clinical bacterial isolates and one reference strain were used to test the anti-microbial activity.

RESULTS

The FPAE reduced the frequency of diarrhoea episodes and decreased the propulsion of charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract in a dose dependent manner. FPAE (100-500 mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose-dependent and significant (P<0.01) protection of mice against castor oil-induced diarrhoea. FPAE, dose-dependently and significantly (P< 0.01) delayed the onset of castor-oil induced diarrhoea, decreased the frequency of defecation, and reduced the severity of diarrhoea. Compared with control animals, FPAE, dose-dependently and significantly (P< 0.01) decreased the volume of castor oil-induced intestinal fluid secretion, and reduced the number, weight and wetness of faecal droppings. There was no deaths or abnormalities in behaviour seen in the acute toxicity test. The aqueous extract displayed anti-microbial effects to three species of bacteria in anti-microbial test.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that FPAE possesses anti-diarrhoeal property in rats and mice and confirm the ethnomedicinal use of Flos Populi as a valuable natural remedy for the treatment, management and/or control of diarrhoea. These results may support the fact that this plant is traditionally used to cure diarrhoea.

Assessment of the antidiarrhoeal properties of the aqueous extract, the 80% methanol extract and its soluble fractions of the leaves of Alstonia congensis Engl. (Apocynaceae) in Wistar rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the antidiarrhoeal properties of Alstonia congensis leaves claimed to be effective for the treatment of diarrhoea by traditional healers during our ethnopharmacological investigation conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aqueous extract (decoction), and the 80% hot methanol extract (Soxhlet extraction) were obtained. This last extract was fractionated. The antidiarrhoeal activity was evaluated using castor oil and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea in animals. The potential antibacterial activity of all samples was also assessed in vitro.

RESULTS

At all oral doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, all A. congensis samples showed significant and dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal activity in treated Wistar rats characterised by significant increase of onset time and decrease of all other diarrhoeal parameters at various degrees compared to untreated groups in both models. At the highest oral dose of 200 mg/kg bodyweight, the 80% hot methanol and aqueous extracts produced 79.8 ± 2.1% and 78.6 ± 0.5%, and 75.0 ± 2.1% and 71.4 ± 2.1% inhibition of defecation and diarrhoea respectively against castor oil-induced diarrhoea, and 75.0 ± 1.2% and 73.3±1.2% inhibition of diarrhoea respectively against magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea. The 80% hot methanol and aqueous detannified extracts showed low activity (42-47% inhibition of defecation and/or diarrhoea in both tests) suggesting that tannins may be responsible for the observed activity. At the same oral doses, the total alkaloid extract, the chloroform soluble fraction rich in alkaloids, the 80% methanol and the alkaline aqueous soluble subfractions produced more than 50% inhibition of defecation and/or diarrhoea in both tests. From the antibacterial testing in vitro, results indicated that all A. congensis samples exhibited an antibacterial activity mainly against bacteria implicated in diarrhoea with MIC and MBC values in the range of 15.6-500 μg/ml. The most active samples were the aqueous (decoction) and the 80% hot methanol dried extracts, the chloroform subfraction rich in alkaloids and the total alkaloid extract (MIC: 15.7-125 μg/ml, MBC: 31.2-250 μg/ml). Proteus varibilis was found to be the most resistant microorganism.

CONCLUSION

These reported results can partly support and justify the traditional use of extracts from Alstonia congensis leaves for the treatment of diarrhoea in tradittional medicine.

Antidiarrheal mechanism of Carpolobia lutea leaf fractions in rats

CONTEXT

Carpolobia lutea G. Don (Polygalaceae) leaf is reputable as an antidiarrheal agent among the Efik and Ibibio tribe of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The crude extract is reported to show antidiarrheal and antiulcer effects in rodents.

OBJECTIVE

The isolation and characterization of drug molecules from the leaf fraction with antidiarrheal bioactivity and determination of mechanism of action are reported.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gradient extraction by maceration yielding n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol fractions (770 mg/kg) were used to establish the fractions suitable for drug discovery. The antidiarrheal effect of the leaf fractions of Carpolobia lutea was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea, castor oil-induced intestinal transit, and enteropooling.

RESULTS

Results indicate that all fractions produced a significant (p < 0.01-0.001) decrease in castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats. This effect was not antagonized by isosorbide dinitrate (150 mg/kg, p.o), diphenoxylate (5 × 10⁻³ mg/kg p.o) and yohimbine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) except for the chloroform fraction. The ethyl acetate fraction produced 100% inhibition of intestinal transit, an effect greater than pure drug. Phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction yielded polyphenolic compounds.

CONCLUSION

The leaf fractions contain two types of antidiarrheal agents, one mediating its effect through α₁-presynaptic adrenoceptor while the other does not. Polyphenols isolated may in part lend credence for observed antidiarrheal activity.

Antidiarrheal activity of Pyrenacantha staudtii Engl. (Icacinaceae) aqueous leaf extract in rodents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pyrenacantha staudtii Engl. (Icacinaceae) is a plant which is traditionally used for the treatment of blemnorrhea, hernia, insomnia, intestinal pain and diarrhea in Nigeria. Therefore the core aim of the present study is to evaluate antidiarrheal activity of Pyrenacantha staudtii aqueous extract (PSE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea method. The effects of Pyrenacantha staudtii aqueous extract on gastrointestinal motility, intestinal transit and enteropooling were also examined in rodents. The acute toxicity effect of the aqueous extract of Pyrenacantha staudtii was also investigated.

RESULTS

Pyrenacantha staudtii aqueous extract (PSE, 100-400mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose-dependent and significant (P<0.05-0.01) protection of rats and mice against castor oil-induced diarrhea, inhibited intestinal transit, and delayed gastric emptying. PSE, produced dose-dependent and significant (P<0.05-0.01) antimotility effect, caused dose-related inhibition of castor-oil-induced enteropooling in animals, comparable to atropine (1mg/kg, p.o.). Like loperamide (10mg/kg, p.o.), PSE, dose-dependently and significantly (P<0.05-0.01) delayed the onset of castor-oil induced diarrhea, decreased the frequency of defecation, and reduced the severity of diarrhea in the rodents. Compared with control animals, PSE, dose-dependently and significantly (P<0.05-0.01) decreased the volume of castor oil-induced intestinal fluid secretion, and reduced the number, weight and wetness of fecal droppings.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that PSE possesses antidiarrheal property in rats and mice. These findings confirm the ethnomedicinal use of Pyrenacantha staudtii leaf as a valuable natural remedy for the treatment, management and/or control of diarrhea.