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

Sulfated Galactans from Agarophytes: Review of Extraction Methods, Structural Features, and Biological Activities

Agarophytes are important seaweeds of the Rhodophyta type, which have been highly exploited for industrial use as sources of a widely consumed polysaccharide of agar. In addition to that, sulfated galactans (SGs) from agarophytes, which consist of various functional sulfate groups, have attracted the attention of scientists in current studies. SGs possess various biological activities, such as anti-tumor, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-diarrhea, and gut microbiota regulation properties. Meanwhile, the taxonomy, ecological factors, i.e., environmental factors, and harvest period, as well as preparation methods, i.e., the pretreatment, extraction, and purification conditions, have been found to influence the chemical compositions and fine structures of SGs, which have, further, been shown to have an impact on their biological activities. However, the gaps in the knowledge of the properties of SGs due to the above complex factors have hindered their industrial application. The aim of this paper is to collect and systematically review the scientific evidence about SGs and, thus, to pave the way for broader and otherwise valuable industrial applications of agarophytes for human enterprise. In the future, this harvested biomass could be sustainably used not only as a source of agar production but also as natural materials in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Antidiarrheal activity of Bridelia ferruginea bark methanolic extract involves modulation ATPases in mice and inhibition of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3) and prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 (EP3) in silico

OBJECTIVES

Diarrhea, an abnormal state in which the individual has about three or more daily bowel movements, is now considered one of the most challenging global public health problems. Using plant products, such as Bridelia ferruginea is an alternative treatment option. The objective of this study was to investigate the antidiarrheal activity of B. ferruginea bark methanolic extract (BfME) and the mechanisms involved.

METHODS

BfME antidiarrheal activity was evaluated in mice model of castor oil-induced diarrhea and enteropooling. To evaluate motility, gastrointestinal transit time was carried out using phenol red meal, while intestinal activities of selected ATPases were also evaluated. Furthermore, the active components in BfME were detected by GC-MS analysis, while molecular docking of the most abundant compounds with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3) and prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 (EP3) were conducted.

RESULTS

BfME at 400 and 800 mg/kg showed antidiarrheal activity by delaying onset of diarrhea, reduced gastrointestinal transit and increased intestinal activities of Na+ K+-ATPase, Ca2+ Mg2+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase. Molecular docking revealed that γ-sitosterol, α-amyrin, and stigmasterol have outstanding binding affinity for M3 and EP3.

CONCLUSIONS

In view of these results, the observed antidiarrheal activity possibly occurs via the activation of ATPases activities and inhibition of M3 and EP3.

Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of Ajuga iva (L.) leave extract

We studied the effect of Ajuga iva leaves extract (AIE) on the intestinal absorption, motricity and its antioxidant capacity against diarrhea. Wistar rats were divided and received either: castor oil (CO), CO and loperamide or CO and different doses of AIE. AIE prevented dose-dependently CO-induced diarrhea. AIE at 800 mg/kg showed inhibition efficiency on defecation and diarrhea. The pro-oxidant effect of the CO in the small intestine was inhibited significantly in presence of AIE: increasing glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and lowering oxygen free radicals (OH°, O2°-), carbonyl protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, co-administration of AIE in castor oil-exposed groups significantly increased the intestinal contents of calcium and magnesium. AIE exhibits significant anti-diarrheal activity, related in part to its antioxidant properties. Our investigation also provides experimental evidence for the traditional use of this medicinal plant in the treatment of diarrhea.

Icacinaceae Plant Family: A Recapitulation of the Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Biotechnological Aspects

Icacinaceae, an Angiospermic family comprising 35 genera and 212 accepted species, including trees, shrubs, and lianas with pantropical distribution, is one of the most outshining yet least explored plant families, which despite its vital role as a source of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals has received a meagre amount of attraction from the scientific community. Interestingly, Icacinaceae is considered a potential alternative resource for camptothecin and its derivatives, which are used in treating ovarian and metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the concept of this family has been revised many times, but further recognition is still needed. The prime objective of this review is to compile the available information on this family in order to popularize it in the scientific community and the general population and promote extensive exploration of these taxa. The phytochemical preparations or isolated compounds from the Icacinaceae family have been centrally amalgamated to draw diverse future prospects from this inclusive plant species. The ethnopharmacological activities and the associated endophytes and cell culture techniques are also depicted. Nevertheless, the methodical evaluation of the Icacinaceae family is the only means to preserve and corroborate the folkloristic remedial effects and provide scientific recognition of its potencies before they are lost under the blanket of modernization.

Antidiarrheal Potential of Viola canescens: In Vivo and In Silico Approaches

Viola canescens Wall. is an important medicinal plant with reported therapeutic benefits. The current work sought to investigate the antidiarrheal properties of V. canescens extracts both in vivo and in silico. This study applied molecular docking to unravel the molecular mechanism of V. canescens and to find the most effective phytocompounds with antidiarrheal effects. The antidiarrheal activity of V. canescens was assessed utilizing the castor oil-induced diarrhea assay and the charcoal meal assay. Antidiarrheal characteristics were evaluated by measuring parameters such as intestinal motility, fecal score, and hypersecretion. The V. canescens extract had a dose-dependent and statistically significant impact in the charcoal meal assay and castor oil-induced diarrhea assay. In the castor oil-induced diarrhea assay, the ethyl acetate fraction (65.96%) showed the highest percentage of defecation inhibition at the highest dose (300 mg/kg (bw)), followed by the uncorrected crystalline compound (63.83%), crude alkaloids (63.83%), chloroform fraction (63.83%), and crude flavonoids (55.32%), while the aqueous fraction (40.43%) and n-Hexane fraction (42.55%) revealed the lowest antidiarrheal potential. In addition, the molecular docking investigation showed emetine, quercetin, and violanthin, isolated chemicals of V. canescens, to have the highest binding affinity to the target μ and δ opioid receptors with significant inhibitory capacity. These pharmacologically active metabolites in V. canescens were effective in treating diarrhea. This study lends credence to the traditional usage of V. canescens in treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Antidiarrheal, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Tunisian Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Fruits

Medicinal plants were used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal disorders owing, in part, to their antioxidant capacity. The protective effects of Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract (DKFAE) against castor oil (CO)-induced diarrhea was studied. The in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial properties were investigated using colorimetric and biochemical analyses. In vivo, 60 male rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 animals each (n = 10): control (C), CO, CO+various doses of DKFAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and CO+loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.).The DKFAE was rich in tannins and showed interesting antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis resulted in the identification of 16 phenolic compounds, among which quinic acid was the main one. The in vivo study showed that diarrhea was accompanied by an oxidative stress status as measured by an increase of lipid peroxidation, a decrease of glutathione and thiol group levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activity depletion, such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The DKFAE administration significantly decreased the gastrointestinal transit in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, DKFAE protected against CO-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Interestingly, DKFAE pretreatment counteracted all the oxidative stress status deregulation induced by CO intoxication. D. kaki fruit could be suggested for its strong protective effect against CO-induced acute diarrhea, which could be explained, in part, to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Aqueous Tuber Extracts of Tylosema fassoglense (Kotschy ex Schweinf.) Torre and Hillc. (Fabaceae). Possess Significant In-Vivo Antidiarrheal Activity and Ex-Vivo Spasmolytic Effect Possibly Mediated by Modulation of Nitrous Oxide System, Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels, and Muscarinic Receptors

Tylosema fassoglense (TFG) is used as an antidiarrheal traditional medicine in Western Kenya. This study aimed to investigate the antidiarrheal activity of its aqueous extracts in-vivo and the putative mechanism (s) of action ex-vivo using Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand white rabbits respectively. The in-vivo antidiarrheal effects of the extract were evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhea, the castor oil-induced enteropooling, and phenol red gastric motility tests. On the other hand, isolated rabbit's jejunal segments were used to evaluate the spasmolytic effect of TFG on spontaneous contraction, in acetylcholine-induced contraction, in presence of 80mMK⁺, calcium chloride-induced contraction as well as in presence of the following antagonists: naloxone, methylene blue, L-NAME, prazosin, and propranolol in the ex-vivo studies. The data were express as Mean ± S.E.M and analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test in cases of significance which was set at p < 0.05. The extract was phytochemically characterized using Liquid chromatography Mass spectroscopy (LC-MS).The extract possessed significant inhibitory effect in the in-vivo experiments. The extract exhibited significant spasmolytic effect on both spontaneous contraction and in jejunal segment pre-contracted acetylcholine as well as in presence of 80mMK⁺ solution. It also attenuated the spasmogenic effect of various concentration of calcium chloride. The extract's spasmolytic effect was, however, significantly attenuated in presence of several antagonists (methylene blue and L-NAME) but the adrenergic blockers (prazosin and propranolol) had no significant effect in the ex-vivo studies. LC-MS identified thirty compounds where Proathocyanidin (11.54%), Syringic acid (7.30%), and 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (6.19%) had the highest percentage abundance. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study partially validate the traditional uses of the tubers of this plant species as an antidiarrheal. These antidiarrheal effects are probably mediated via modulation of nitrous oxide pathway, voltage gated calcium channels, and muscarinic receptors.

Antidiarrhoael and antimicrobial effects of ethanol root bark extract from Salacia lehmbachii

Introduction: The roots of Salacia lehmbachii are used in Nigerian folklore medicine without scientific basis. The present study was aimed to investigate the antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol extract of S. lehmbachii root bark. Methods: The antidiarrheal activity was examined using castor oil induced diarrhoea method. The ethanol root bark extract effects on intestinal transit time and enteropooling were also evaluated in rats, while antimicrobial activity was conducted on selected microorganisms. The acute toxicity test and phytochemical screening of the extract were also carried out. Results: The extract produced significant (P < 0.05) dose dependent protection on rats against castor oil induced diarrhoea. The extract inhibited intestinal transit time and caused significant dose related inhibition of castor oil induced enteropooling in rats, comparable to the standard drug, atropine (P < 0.05). The root bark extract significantly and dose dependently delayed the onset of castor oil induced diarrhoea, reduced the frequency of defecation and decreased the severity of diarrhoea in rats. S. lehmbachii ethanol root bark extract significantly and dose dependently decreased the volume of intestinal fluid accumulation in the castor oil induced enteropooling. The extract also significantly inhibited the growth of test organisms. The acute toxicity test produced no lethality in rats, whereas the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, resins and balsam. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm the ethnomedicinal use of S. lehmbachii root bark as a valuable natural agent for the treatment of diarrhoea and microbial infections.

Antidiarrheal activity of farnesol in rodents: Pharmacological actions and molecular docking

Diarrhea is a condition in which the individual has about three or more daily bowel movements, followed by changes in stool consistency. It is currently considered as one of the worst public health problems due to the number of cases and deaths involved and difficulty of treatment. Thus, the use of natural products is an alternative for new treatments. Among these possibilities is Farnesol (C₁₅H₂₆O), a sesquiterpene found in different herbal species that has known biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of Farnesol (FOH). Initially, FOH activity was evaluated in models of diarrhea and enteropooling induced by castor oil and PGE₂. To evaluate motility, the opioid and cholinergic pathways were studied. In addition, the effect of FOH was investigated in the secretion model in intestinal loops treated with cholera toxin. FOH was evaluated for the ability to absorb fluids in intestinal loops and interact with GM1 receptors using the ELISA method and molecular docking. The dose of 50 mg/kg of FOH showed the best results in all antidiarrheal activity tests with castor oil and PGE₂, being considered as the standard dose, reducing motility by anticholinergic mechanisms. There was a reduction in fluid secretion when FOH interacted directly with GM1 receptors; cholera toxin and molecular docking showed strong interaction between farnesol and these targets. In view of the results presented, the antidiarrheal activity occurs through anticholinergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-secretory action, making farnesol a potential candidate for the development of a new drug to treat diarrheal diseases.

Potential Mechanisms Involved in the Anticonvulsant Effect of Methanol Extract of Pyrenancantha staudtii in Mice

OBJECTIVE

To determine the potential effect of Pyrenancantha staudtii extract on experimentally induced seizures in mice and to evaluate the role of benzodiazepines, naloxone, and serotonin within these pathways.

METHODS

Animal behaviours were evaluated using open field, hexobarbitone-induced sleep model, and anticonvulsant activity using picrotoxin-, or strychnine-, or isoniazid-induced convulsions. Attempt to understand the mode of action of the anticonvulsant activity of the plant, three notable antagonists (flumazenil, 3 mg/kg; naloxone 5 mg/kg, i.p., and cyproheptadine, 4 mg/kg, i.p) were used.

RESULTS

The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the frequency of rearing and grooming episodes compared with the control. The extract of P. staudtii potentiates the sleeping time of hexobarbitone-induced hypnosis in a dose-related manner. P. staudtii stem bark extracts significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the onset of a seizure and attenuated the duration of seizure in a dose-dependent manner in picrotoxin- and or isoniazid-induced seizures. While, P. staudtii stem bark extract at all doses (100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1) though significantly prolonged the onset of action, but did not confer any significant changes on the duration, as well as mortality in this strychnine-induced seizure model. However, the anticonvulsant activity of the methanolic extract of P. staudtii was significantly reversed following intraperitoneal pre-treatment with flumazenil (GABA receptor antagonist) and naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) but not cyproheptadine (5-HT2 receptor antagonist) in picrotoxin-induced convulsion.

CONCLUSION

The data obtained suggest that methanol extract of P. staudtii possessed significant anticonvulsant effect, thereby confirming the traditional uses of P. staudtii in the treatment of epilepsy; mechanisms of which could involve the interaction with GABAergic and or opioidergic system.

The Anti-diarrheal Activity of the Non-toxic Dihuang Powder in Mice

Dihuang powder (DHP) has been used in the traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diarrhea in some regions of China. But up to now, the anti-diarrheal activity of DHP haven't been performed with modern pharmacological technology. This study aims to investigate the quality control, the potential toxicity and anti-diarrheal activity of Dihuang powder in mice. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) were used to detect five active compounds in DHP for quality control, and the acute toxicity and sub-acute toxicity for 28-day oral administration of DHP were then evaluated. The anti-diarrheal activity was investigated using mouse model. Results showed that the levels of quercetin and berberine in DHP were 0.054 and 0.632 mg/g, respectively, and atractylodin, matrine, and patehouli aleohal were also detected in DHP. At the given doses, DHP was safe in terms of acute and sub-acute toxicity. Meanwhile, DHP exhibited strong anti-diarrheal effects as well as decreased gastrointestinal motility and the secretions induced by Sennae and castor oil in a dose-dependent manner. It could decrease the content of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the small intestine, and improve the histopathological changes of small intestine and large intestine induced by Sennae. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo also were presented. Based on all of the results, we thought that DHP has anti-diarrheal activity, and could be used to treat diarrhea as well as alleviate the pain and inflammation induced by diarrhea. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical use of DHP and may assist in the development of new drugs for the treatment of diarrhea. The mechanism of the anti-diarrheal activity should be investigated in the future.

Effect of Modified Pulsatilla Powder on Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O101-Induced Diarrhea in Mice

MPP can be effective in the treatment of E. coli O101-induced diarrhea in mice. MPP can improve the weight loss caused by diarrhea, increase spleen and thymus indices, and reduce the diarrhea index. MPP can reduce the number of WBC, regulate the level of cytokines, and regulate the intestinal microbial flora. These data suggest that MPP is a promising candidate for treatment of E. coli-induced diarrhea in humans and animals.

Anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of the aerial part of Rubia cordifolia

Background

In Shaanxi province, China, the aqueous extract of Rubia cordifolia’s aerial part (AERCAP) is traditionally used to manage diarrhea. However, there is no scientific evidence to verify the safety and efficacy of its use. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory effects of AERCAP by using a rodent model.

Methods

The anti-diarrheal effects were studied by senna leaf-induced diarrheal and intestinal transit experiments in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colonic inflammation in rats.

Results

The results indicated that AERCAP delayed the onset of semi-solid feces, reduced the evacuation index (EI) in senna leaf-induced diarrheal in mice, and inhibited the propulsive movement in castor oil-induced intestinal transit but not in the normal intestinal transit test. The results were compared with the standard anti-diarrheal drug loperamide. Additionally, oral treatment with AERCAP significantly decreased the macroscopic damage area, improved the microscopic structure, and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, IL-1β and TNF-α levels in colonic tissue compared with the TNBS control group in rats.

Conclusions

AERCAP exhibited anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory activities in a rodent model. The study validated the traditional use of the plant in Chinese herbal medicine as a valuable natural remedy for the treatment of diarrhea.

Toxicological implications and laxative potential of ethanol root extract of Morella serrata in loperamide-induced constipated Wistar rats

CONTEXT

Morella serrata L. (Myricaceae) is commonly used in South Africa to treat several diseases including constipation.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated toxicological implications and laxative potential of the ethanol root extract of the plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

While normal control animals were placed on sterile placebo, the loperamide-constipated rats were treated with the extract at 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg doses for 7 days, and their feeding patterns and faecal properties were monitored. Gastrointestinal transit ratio and the toxicity profile of the tested doses were thereafter evaluated.

RESULTS

The significantly increased faecal volume (192.08%), feed (63.63%), water intake (55.97%) and improved intestinal motility (95.05%) in the constipated rats following treatment with the extract (at 300 mg/kg) suggested laxative potential of the extract. The 1.5-2.0-fold normalization of the platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes counts in the extract-treated constipated rats suggests its non-haematotoxic tendency. Furthermore, the extract (at the highest investigated dose) reversed the attenuation in the concentrations of the electrolytes (0.5-2-fold), total protein (62.12%) and albumin (55.88%) in the constipated animals as well as attenuated activities of hepatic enzymes (0.5-3.0-fold) and levels of urea (126.67%), creatinine (40.32%), cholesterol (3-fold) and triglycerides (9-fold). These further support its non-toxic and therapeutic attributes against constipation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the effect exhibited by M. serrata in this study competed well with Senokot (standard drug) and proved that it may be relatively safe and with excellent laxative potential, thus, supporting its pharmacological applications in South Africa.

Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal activity of the hydromethanolic root extract of Rhus tripartita (Ucria) (Anacardiacae)

INTRODUCTION

Rhus tripartita (Anacardiacae) is a plant which is traditionally used for the treatment of ulcer and diarrhea in Tunisia. However, the scientific basis for this usage has not been well established. The core aim of the present study is to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of Rhus tripartita root methanolic extract (RRE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The antidiarrheal activity of RRE oral doses (50, 100, 200 and 300mg/kg) was evaluated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea, the intestinal fluid emptying method and the normal intestinal transit test. The antibacterial activity was tested against four pathogenic bacteria using two methods. The RRE was also phytochemical studied.

RESULTS

Diarrhea experiments showed a protective effect of the RRE which produced a significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent reduction of all the diarrhea parameters. It delayed the onset of diarrhea, produced a significant decrease in the frequency of defecation and the diarrhea score severity and decreased the volume of intestinal fluid induced by castor oil as well as the propulsion intestinal transit. The effect of the extract at the highest dose (300mg/kg) was similar to that of loperamide, the standard anti-diarrheal drug (10mg/kg). The anti-bacterial activity test showed that RRE exhibited a great inhibition activity against four pathogenic bacteria strains (Esherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella argenosa, Staphylococcus aureus). Oral administration of the extract up to 3g/kg did not produce any acute toxicity in rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the RRE revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that RRE at 300mg/kg possesses the highest anti-diarrheal activity possibly mediated by the inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal propulsion and intestinal fluid accumulation.

Antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of myrtle berries (Myrtus communis L.) seeds extract

OBJECTIVES

The present study was carried out to determine the antidiarrheal effects of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) berries seeds aqueous extract (MBSAE) from Tunisia as well as the involvement of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in such protection.

METHODS

Adult male wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of ten each: control, Castor oil, Castor oil + Loperamide and Castor oil + various doses of MBSAE. Animals were per orally (p.o.) pre-treated with MBSAE for one hour and intoxicated by castor oil acute oral administration.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results demonstrated that the MBSAE is rich in total and condensed tannins and exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. In vivo, we found that MBSAE administration induced a significant dose-dependent protection against diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Castor oil-induced intestinal hypersecretion was accompanied by an oxidative stress status in the intestine. More importantly, we showed that acute diarrhoea was accompanied by an increase in intestinal mucosa hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), calcium and free iron levels while MBSAE pre-treatment reversed all castor oil-induced intracellular mediators disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that MBSAE had a potent protective effects against castor oil-induced acute diarrhoea due in part to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Evaluation of antidiarrheal activity of ethanolic extract of Holarrhena antidysenterica seeds in rats

Aim:

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of ethanolic extract of Holarrhena antidysenterica (Family - Apocynaceae) seeds against induced diarrhea in Wistar albino rats.

Materials and Methods:

The extract was evaluated for castor oil and Escherichia coli induced diarrhea. Extract was given at 100, 200, 400 mg/kg body wt. orally in both protocols. Standard antidiarrheal Loperamide was used at 5 mg/kg body wt. orally in castor oil induced protocol, while standard antibiotic Gentamicin at 8 mg/kg body wt. intraperitoneally was used in E. coli induced diarrhea. In castor oil induced protocol, the percentage inhibition of defecation was calculated for each group, whereas in E. coli induced protocol, change in fecal consistency, and body weight was recorded for each individual rat for 3 days.

Results:

The severity of castor oil induced diarrhea was reduced significantly (p<0.05) with H. antidysenterica seeds extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt. which showed equivalent effectiveness like that of Loperamide treated groups. Similarly in E. coli induced diarrhea protocol, the mean change in body weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher in positive control, whereas no significant variation was observed in negative control, Gentamicin treated and H. antidysenterica treated group at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body wt., respectively.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that ethanolic extract of H. antidysenterica seeds effectively controlled diarrhea and decreased the severity of clinical signs of castor oil and E. coli induced diarrhea in Wistar rats.

Antidiarrheal activity of cashew GUM, a complex heteropolysaccharide extracted from exudate of Anacardium occidentale L. in rodents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) is commonly known as the cashew tree. It is native to tropical America and extracts of the leaves, bark, roots, chestnut net and exudate have been traditionally used in northeast Brazil for the treatment of various diseases. The exudate of the cashew tree (cashew gum) has been exploited by locals since ancient times for multiple applications, including the treatment of diarrheal diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of cashew gum (CG), a complex heteropolysaccharide from the exudate of the cashew tree, using various models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antidiarrheal activity of cashew gum (CG) against acute diarrhea was investigated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea model. The effects of CG on gastrointestinal transit and castor oil- and PGE2- induced enteropooling were also examined in rodents. In addition, the effect of CG against secretory diarrhea was investigated using a model of fluid secretion in cholera toxin-treated intestinal closed loops in live mice.

RESULTS

Cashew gum (30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant (P<0.05-0.01) antidiarrheal effect in rats with castor oil-induced diarrhea, inhibiting the total amount of stool and diarrheal stools. The 60 mg/kg dose of CG exhibited excellent antidiarrheal activity and significantly reduced the severity of diarrhea (diarrhea scores) in rats. CG (60 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the volume of castor oil- and PGE2-induced intestinal fluid secretion (enteropooling). In addition, similar to loperamide (standard drug, 5 mg/kg, p.o.), CG treatment reduced the distance traveled by a charcoal meal in the 30-min gastrointestinal transit model by interacting with opioid receptors. In cholera toxin-induced secretory diarrhea, CG (60 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the intestinal fluid secretion and decreased Cl(-) ion loss in the cholera toxin(-)treated isolated loops model of live mice by competitively binding to cholera toxin-GM1 receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results indicate that a complex heteropolysaccharide extracted from the exudate of A. occidentale L. has antidiarrheal activity in acute, inflammatory, and secretory diarrhea models, which could justify its traditional use in the treatment of diarrhea in northeast Brazil. The antidiarrheal activity might be explained by the capacity of CG to inhibit gastrointestinal motility and thereby reduce the accumulation of intestinal fluid and the secretion of water and chloride ions in the lumen of the intestine.

Antibacterial Polyketide Heterodimers from Pyrenacantha kaurabassana Tubers

Two heterodimers comprising anthraquinone and methylbenzoisocoumarin moieties (1 and 2) were isolated, together with emodin and physcion from the tubers of Pyrenacantha kaurabassana. The structures of 1 and 2 were established by NMR spectroscopy, including the analysis of a 2D INADEQUATE spectrum. On the basis of the data obtained, the structures that were previously proposed in the literature for these compounds were revised. Compounds 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against three different strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Compound 2 also showed bactericidal activity against Helicobacter pylori.

Inhibitory Effects of Two Varieties of Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Extracts on Gastrointestinal Transit in Rat

The present study was undertaken to determine whether total and methanol juice extracts of two Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties (Garsi and Gabsi) protect against diarrhea as well as their effects on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) in healthy rats. In this respect, male Wistar rats were used and divided into control- and pomegranate-treated groups. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea method and the GIT was assessed using charcoal meal. Our results showed that total and methanol P. granatum juice extracts produced a significant dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea. Pomegranate extracts and juice also decreased the GIT significantly and dose dependently. Importantly, the Garsi variety appeared to be more effective than the Gabsi variety on these two parameters. These findings suggest that pomegranate extracts have a potent antidiarrheal property in rats confirming their efficiency in the Tunisian traditional medicine.

Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal activity of Salvia connivens

CONTEXT

Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity and accounts for 5-8 million deaths worldwide each year. Salvia connivens Epling (Lamiaceae) is used to treat sore throat, fevers, diarrhea, malaria, and also is used as an antipyretic.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluates the efficacy of S. connivens in the treatment of diarrhea using animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-diarrheal effect of methanol extract of S. connivens was investigated on mice with castor oil, arachidonic acid (AA) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced diarrhea. On Wistar rats, the activity was evaluated on the intestinal transit and Castor oil-induced enteropooling.

RESULTS

The methanol extract at doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg on castor oil-induced diarrhea reduced the diarrhea by 32.3, 41.9, 67.7, 74.2, 83.3, and 100%, respectively. Additionally, this extract, at doses of 200 mg/kg, inhibited AA-induced diarrhea by 100%. The methanol extract produced no effect on PGE2-induced diarrhea at the same doses. In Wistar rats, at dose of 200 mg/kg, the methanol extract inhibited intestinal transit and decreased the volume of intestinal secretion induced by castor oil.

DISCUSSION

The methanol extract showed anti-diarrheal effect on the animal models used. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, and saponins which may be responsible for this effect. The extract did not cause any mortality or any visible signs of toxicity or differences in food and water uptake were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

These results justify the use of S. connivens as an anti-diarrheal agent.

Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Matricaria recutita L. (Chamomile) has been widely used in the Tunisian traditional medicine for the treatment of digestive system disorders. The present work aims to investigate the protective effects of chamomile decoction extract (CDE) against castor oil-induced diarrhea and oxidative stress in rats.

METHODS

The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea method. In this respect, rats were divided into six groups: Control, Castor oil, Castor oil+Loperamide (LOP) and Castor oil+various doses of CDE. Animals were per orally (p.o.) pre-treated with CDE during 1h and intoxicated for 2 or 4h by acute oral administration of castor oil.

RESULTS

Our results showed that CDE produced a significant dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. On the other hand, we showed that diarrhea was accompagned by an oxidative stress status assessed by an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Castor oil also increased gastric and intestinal mucosa hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free iron levels. Importantly, we showed that chamomile pre-treatment abrogated all these biochemical alterations.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that chamomile extract had a potent antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties in rats confirming their use in traditional medicine.

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.