Antisecretory and antimotility activity of Aconitum heterophyllum and its significance in treatment of diarrhea

Aim:

The roots of the plant Aconitum heterophyllum (EAH) are traditionally used for curing hysteria, throat infection, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diabetes, and diarrhea. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the mechanism involved in the anti-diarrheal activity of roots of A. heterophyllum.

Materials and Methods:

Ant-diarrheal activity of ethanol extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o. was evaluated using fecal excretion and castor oil-induced diarrhea models, while optimized dose, that is, 100 mg/kg p.o. was further subjected to small intestinal transit, intestinal fluids accumulation, PGE₂-induced enteropooling and gastric emptying test. To elucidate the probable mechanism, various biochemical parameters and Na⁺, K⁺ concentration in intestinal fluids were also determined. Further, antibacterial activity of extract along with its standardization using aconitine as a marker with the help of HPLC was carried out.

Results:

The results depicted a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in normal fecal output at 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. of extract after 5^th and 7^th h of treatment. Castor oil-induced diarrhea model demonstrated a ceiling effect at 100 mg/kg p.o. with a protection of 60.185% from diarrhea. EAH at 100 mg/kg p.o. also showed significant activity in small intestinal transit, fluid accumulation, and PGE₂-induced enteropooling models, which also restored the altered biochemical parameters and prevented Na⁺ and K⁺ loss. The extract with 0.0833% w/w of aconitine depicted a potential antibacterial activity of extract against microbes implicated in diarrhea.

Conclusion:

The study concluded antisecretory and antimotility effect of A. heterophyllum, which mediates through nitric oxide path way.KEY WORDS: Aconitum heterophyllum, antibacterial activity, ant-diarrheal activity, castor oil-induced diarrhea, fecal excretion, nitric oxide, PGE₂, small intestinal transit     

Evaluation of the antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties of Justicia hypocrateriformis

Content: Justicia hypocrateriformis Vahl (Acanthaceae) is used as an herbal remedy for diarrhea in Cameroon folk medicine.

Objective: This study evaluates the antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of J. hypocrateriformis (JH).

Materials and methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening and an acute toxicity testing of the extract were carried out. The antidiarrheal activity of JH extract (100, 250, and 500?mg/kg) was assessed at curative and preventive levels in castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice. The antioxidant activity was measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content, and radical scavenging activity.

Results: A high lethal dose (LD₅₀) of 14.35?g/kg obtained in acute toxicity implies the extract is not toxic. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, and anthocyanins. JH showed a significant protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea as evidenced by a decrease in the number of defecation and wet stool. JH (100–500?mg/kg, p.o.) produced a non-significant dose-dependent decrease in castor oil-induced intestinal transit in the preventive study. In the curative and in healthy mice study, the decrease was only significant at 500?mg/kg. JH possessed a radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ of 9.93?mg/ml compared to 4.90?mg/ml for catechin. JH FRAP of 2703.77?±?0?mg/g (catechin equiv) and phenolic concentration of 14?169.99?±?612.39?mg/g (catechin equiv) were also obtained.

Conclusion: Justicia hypocrateriformis extract possesses antidiarrheal activity supported by its antioxidant potential and phytochemical constituents.     

乌梅肉提取物抗腹泻作用研究

目的 研究乌梅提取物抗腹泻作用,为临床应用提供依据。方法 通过蓖麻油致小鼠腹泻模型、小肠炭墨推进实验、大鼠肠腔积液实验,以腹泻抑制率、小肠推进率、肠腔积液体积为指标,研究乌梅提取物的抗腹泻作用。结果 乌梅水提物及水提醇沉提取物均具有抗腹泻作用,其中水提醇沉提取物的活性明显高于水提物(P<0.05),显著抑制正常小鼠的小肠推进运动(P<0.05或0.01),但对肠腔积液作用不显著。结论 乌梅提取物具有一定的抗腹泻作用,其抗腹泻机制可能与抑制小肠运动有关。     

Role of the Rosa canina L. leaf extract as an antidiarrheal drug in rodents

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of the leaf extract of Rosa canina L. against experimental diarrhea induced by castor oil in rodents.

Materials and Methods:

The methanol extract of Rosa canina L. (30 and 60 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally to two groups of mice (five animals per group) in order to evaluate the activity of the extract against the castor oil-induced diarrhea model in mice. Two other groups received normal saline and diphenoxylate (5 mg/kg) as positive control. The effect of the extract on intestinal transit and castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling) was assessed. The effects of the extract on the isolated rabbit jejunum and on the isolated rat ileum were studied.

Results:

The preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaf extract of Rosa Canina L. revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and volatile oil. Intraperitoneal LD50 of the extract was found to be 455.19 ± 23 mg/kg in mice. The antidiarrheal effect of the methanolic extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous pendular movement of the isolated rabbit jejunum and inhibited acetylcholine-induced contraction of the rat ileum. A dose-dependent decrease in gastrointestinal transit was observed with extracts (30 and 60 mg/kg), which also protected mice against castor oil-induced diarrhea and castor oil-induced fluid accumulation, respectively.

Conclusions:

The presence of some of the phytochemicals in the leaf extract may be responsible for the observed effects, and also the basis for its use in traditional medicine as an antidiarrheal drug.     

Effect of Aframomum melegueta. Seed Extract on Castor Oil–Induced Diarrhea

ABSTRACT

The effect of the aqueous (aq) seed extract of Aframomum melegueta. K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae) on castor oil-induced diarrhea, intestinal fluid secretion, and gastrointestinal transit was investigated in the study. Castor oil (10 ml/kg, p.o.) induced copious diarrhea in all rats 3 h after treatment. Furthermore, it produced a significant increase in the volume of intestinal fluid secretion in rats and also enhanced intestinal transit in mice. The aq seed extract of A. melegueta. (100–500 mg/kg, p.o.) offered significant protection against diarrhea induced by the oil. At a dose range of 250–500 mg/kg, the extract reduced significantly the volume of fluid secretion in castor oil–treated rats. At these doses, it also demonstrated a significant antitransit activity in a dose-related manner. Acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) delayed diarrhea and reduced the number of animals with diarrheal droppings to 20%. At the same dose level, acetylsalicylic acid reduced significantly the volume of intestinal fluid secretion but lacked antitransit property in castor oil–treated animals. N.-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (2.5–10 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently reduced the number of animals with diarrhea. At 50 mg/kg i.p., it offered 100% protection against diarrhea induced by the oil. Furthermore, L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited both the intestinal fluid secretion and gastrointestinal transit induced by castor oil. However, L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not significantly modify the antidiarrheal effect of A. melegueta.. L-Arginine, a substrate of nitric oxide synthase or isosorbide dinitrate, a nitric oxide donor, did not alter the effect of A. melegueta. on diarrhea. Ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and α.-tocopherol (20 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the number of animals with diarrhea to 80% and 70%, respectively. However, they both lacked significant activities on intestinal fluid secretion and gastrointestinal transit induced by castor oil. The combination of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or α.-tocopherol (20 mg/kg, p.o.) with A. melegueta. (500 mg/kg) offered higher protection against diarrhea than the extract alone. Considering these results together, it may be inferred that Aframomum melegueta. seed extract may be a useful antidiarrheal agent.     

Antidiarrheal activity of extracts and compound from Trilepisium madagascariense stem bark

Objective:

The present study was performed to evaluate the preventive and curative antidiarrheal effects of the methanol extract, fractions and compound from the stem bark of Trilepisium madagascariense in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The methanol extract from the stem bark of T. madagascariense, its fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous residue) and compound (obtained from further column chromatography of the ethyl acetate fraction) were evaluated for the antidiarrheal activity in rats. These test samples (at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for the extract and fractions and 2.5 mg/kg for compound) were assayed on the latent periods, purging indices and fecal frequencies in castor oil-induced diarrhea. Gastrointestinal transit and castor oil-induced enteropooling assays were conducted. Shigella-induced diarrhea was assayed. Blood chemistry and fecal Shigella load were examined.

Results:

The fractionation of the ethyl acetate fraction from the methanol extract of T. madagascariense afforded a known compound [isoliquiritigenin (1)]. Compound 1 increased the latent period of diarrhea induction (179.40 min) compared to the saline control (60.80 min). The purging indices, fecal frequencies and intestinal enteropooling decreased with an increase in the dose of test samples. The blood cell counts, sera creatinine and fecal Shigella load decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the plant extract-treated rats compared to the saline control.

Conclusion:

The results of our study, being reported for the first time, provide clear evidence that the methanol extract, fractions and isoliquiritigenin from T. madagascariense stem bark possess antidiarrheal activities.     

Antidiarrheal potential of standardized extract of Rhododendron arboreum Smith flowers in experimental animals

Objective:

To investigate standardized ethyl acetate fraction of Rhododendron arboreum (EFRA) flowers for antidiarrheal activity in experimental animals.

Materials and Methods:

A simple sensitive high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was used for the determination of hyperin in EFRA. The standardized fraction was investigated for castor oil, magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea, measurement of gastrointestinal transit using charcoal and castor oil-induced enteropooling.

Results:

The concentration of hyperin in flowers of R. arboreum was found to be 0.148% by HPTLC. Oral administration of EFRA at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited dose-dependent and significant (P<0.05-0.001) antidiarrheal potential in castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea. EFRA at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg also produced significant (P<0.05-0.001) dose-dependent reduction in propulsive movement in castor oil-induced gastrointestinal transit using charcoal meal in rats. EFRA was found to possess an antienteropooling in castor oil-induced experimental animals by reducing both weight and volume of intestinal content significantly.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that standardized ethyl acetate fraction of R. arboreum flowers has potent antidiarrheal activity thus justifying its traditional use in diarrhea and have great potential as a source for natural health products.KEY WORDS: Antidiarrheal, enteropooling, gastrointestinal motility, high performance thin layer chromatography, Rhododendron arboreum     

Evaluation of Antidiarrheal Potential of Emblica officinalis.

ABSTRACT

The antidiarrheal potential of the methanol extract of the fruit of Emblica officinalis. Gaertn. Euphorbiaceae was evaluated using several experimental models of diarrhea in Wistar albino rats. The methanol extract showed a significant inhibitory effect on rats with diarrhea induced by castor oil and magnesium sulfate. The methanol extract produced a significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal tests in rats. It also significantly inhibited PGE₂-induced enteropooling as compared to control animals. The results obtained establish the efficacy and substantiate the use of this herbal remedy as a nonspecific treatment for diarrhea in folk medicine.     

Antidiarrheal evaluation of the ethanol extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark

Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Nigeria folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The root bark of the plant was extracted with 70% ethanol and the extract screened for antidiarrheal activity by investigating castor oil-induced diarrhea and small intestinal motility in mice. The effects of the extract on isolated rat ileum were also investigated. The extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in the frequency of diarrhea and conferred protection following castor oil administration (P < 0.05). It also significantly (P < 0.0001) inhibited small intestinal motility in mice at the same doses. Its activity was dose-dependent and when compared to atropine, its antidiarrheal effects at 500 mg/kg were 179% and 165% respectively, in castor oil-induced diarrhea and small intestinal motility experiments. Extract effects on rat ileum revealed a significant (P < 0.0001) inhibition of acetylcholine-induced contractions at 0.2 and 2 mg/mL final bath concentrations used. These findings confirm the antidiarrheal activity of the root bark extract of N. latifolia.     

Assessment of the antidiarrhoeal properties of the aqueous extract and its soluble fractions of Chebulae Fructus (Terminalia chebula fruits)

Context Chebulae Fructus is used as an herbal remedy for diarrhoea in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its antidiarrhoeal activity.

Objective This study evaluates the antidiarrhoeal properties of Chebulae Fructus aqueous extract (CFAE) and determines the active fraction.

Materials and methods The antidiarrhoeal effect of CFAE (200–800?mg/kg) was investigated by determining the wet dropping, intestinal transit in BALB/c mice and enteropooling in Wister rats. The protective effects of the CFAE on the intestinal and liver were tested by histopathological analyses. The antidiarrhoeal fraction was determined by castor oil-induced diarrhoea and its main constituents were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS.

Results The extract at doses of 200, 400 and 800?mg/kg reduced the diarrhoea by 9.1, 40.0 and 58.2% and inhibited intestinal transit by 18.3, 24.1 and 35.7%, respectively. Additionally, the CFAE (200, 400 and 800?mg/kg) decreased the volume of enteropooling by 47.1, 58.8 and 64.7%, respectively. Mice treated with castor oil presented morphological alterations in the small intestine and the liver. However, the lesions of mice treated with CFAE were alleviated. Moreover, the ethyl acetate fraction was the active fraction of CFAE, the fraction (41.7, 83.4 and 166.8?mg/kg) reduced the diarrhoea by 9.1, 38.2 and 54.5%, respectively. The major components of the ethyl acetate fraction were tannins, including gallic acid, 3, 4, 6-tri-O-galloyl-β-d-Glc, corilagin and ellagic acid according to the HPLC-ESI-MS analysis.

Conclusion The CFAE possessed antidiarrhoeal property and the ethyl acetate fraction was its main active fraction.     

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 the Aqueous Extract of Punica granatum. (Pomegranate) Peels

Abstract

The antidiarrheal effects of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. L. (Punicaceae) peels were evaluated in rats. Studies were carried out on the isolated rat ileum, gastrointestinal motility in vivo., and on castor oil–induced diarrhea in rats. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous movement of the isolated rat ileum and attenuated acetylcholine-induced contractions. The extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) also caused a dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transit and markedly protected rats against castor oil–induced diarrhea enteropooling. The intraperitoneal injection LD₅₀ of the extract was found to be 1321 ± 15 mg/kg in mice. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. peels gave positive tests for tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. peels may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhea, and this may be the basis for its traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders.     

Anti-Inflammatory,Antipyretic And Antispasmodic Properties Of Chromolaena Odorata

A methanol extract of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effects in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model as well as for antipyretic activity in mice. The effects of the extract on intestinal transit of charcoal meal and castor oil-induced diarrhoea were also investigated. The extract (50-200 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema in rats and produced significant (p &lt;0.05) reduction in rectal temperature of mice rendered hyperthermic by yeast suspension. Antimotility and antidiarrhoeal effects were produced by the extract in intact mice. This study establishes the out-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-spasmodic properties of C. odorata.     

The application of 1,8-cineole,a terpenoid oxide present in medicinal plants,inhibits castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats

Abstract

Context: 1,8-Cineole, a terpene, characterized as a major constituent occurring in the essential oils of several aromatic plants. It is widely used in pharmaceutical industry, as a food additive and for culinary purposes.

Objective: This study investigates the inhibitory effect of 1,8-cineole on transit time and diarrhea in animal models.

Materials and methods: Acute toxicity and lethality of 1-8-cineole was determined by Lork’s guidelines. The antidiarrheal effect of 1,8-cineole was investigated by determining the intestinal transit and enterpooling in rats. In all experiments, different doses of 1,8-cineole (20–120?mg/kg), atropine, and loperamide were administered orally.

Results: The LD₅₀ of 1,8-cineole for oral administration was estimated to be 1280?mg/kg. 1,8-Cineole (20–120?mg/kg) did not show a significant decrease in small intestine transit (p?>?0.05); however, the highest dose displayed a significant decrease in comparison with atropine (p?<?0.05). This substance decreased the peristaltic index value to 68?±?0.36% at a dose of 120?mg/kg compared with the control group (85.22?±?4.31%) in the castor oil transit test. 1,8-Cineole significantly delayed the onset of diarrhea to ?142.33?±?6.08?min at 120?mg/kg, while the time was 103.66?±?20.73?min for the control and >240?min for the loperamide. Moreover, 1,8-cineole significantly decreased intestinal fluid accumulation (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated antispasmodic and antisecretory activities of 1,8-cineole and rationalized the traditional use of the plant containing various levels of this terpene in the treatment of gastrointestinal complains such as diarrhea.     

Antioxidant and antidiarrheal activities of ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits

Context: Ardisia elliptica Thunb Lam. (Myrsinaceae) is widely used traditionally in the treatment of diarrhea related health disorders in Bangladesh.

Objective: The crude ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits (EFA) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antidiarrhoeal activities.

Materials and methods: DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power and Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability were used for determining antioxidant activities and animal models were used for antidiarrheal activities such as the castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea, enteropooling induced by the administration of castor oil and magnesium sulfate at the doses of 250 and 500?mg/kg.

Results: The extract possessed a significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 30.75?μg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀: 7.89?μg/ml). The IC₅₀ values of the extract and ascorbic acid were 51.72 and 38.68?μg/ml, respectively, in nitric oxide scavenging assay. The IC₅₀ value of the extract for Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability (41.30?μg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC₅₀ value of EDTA (22.57?μg/ml). The EFA also showed a significant protection (p?Conclusion: Therefore, the obtained results confirm the antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity of EFA and thus support the traditional uses of this plant as a modality for antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity.     

Antidiarrheal Activity of the Fruits of Vitex doniana. in Laboratory Animals

Abstract

The effect of different doses of the aqueous extract of Vitex doniana. Sweet (Verbenaceae) on acetylcholine and histamine-induced contractions on isolated guinea pig ileum was evaluated. The effect of the extract on intestinal peristalsis and castor oil–induced diarrhea in mice was also studied. The results showed that the extract possess a concentration-dependent inhibition of both acetylcholine and histamine-induced contractions. The extract (at doses of 150–650 mg/kg) also inhibited gastric peristalsis in mice fed charcoal meal and significantly protected mice against castor oil–induced diarrhea. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, and tannins. The findings in this study indicate that the aqueous extract of V. doniana. fruits may contain some pharmacologically active components that perhaps will be useful as antidiarrheal agents. The findings have also validated the use of this plant in traditional cure of diarrhea.     

Antidiarrhoeic activity of quercitrin in mice and rats

Abstract— Quercitrin, a flavonoid isolated from Euphorbia hirta, shows antidiarrhoeic activity at doses of 50 mg kg^?1, against castor oil- and PGE₂-induced diarrhoea in mice, but not when magnesium sulphate is used as a cathartic agent. It also delays rat small intestinal transit if this is accelerated with castor oil. However, the flavonoid does not modify the fluid transport across the colonic mucosa when it is administered intraluminally, either in normal conditions or when this transport is altered by PGE₂ or sodium picosulphate. However, quercetin, the aglycone of quercitrin, increases the colonic fluid absorption only in the presence of secretagogue compounds, such as PGE₂ and sodium picosulphate. It is concluded that the antidiarrhoeic activity of quercitrin is due to its aglycone, quercetin, which is released by the glycoside in the intestine.     

Antidiarrhoeal activity of the standardised extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cinnamomum tamala</Emphasis> in experimental rats

The present study was designed to investigate the antidiarrhoeal potential of 50% ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum tamala on experimentally induced castor oil diarrhoea, gastric emptying of phenol red meal, gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal and in vitro mast cell degranulation activity. C. tamala extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) produced a dose-dependent reduction in the total amount of faecal matter in castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The mean distance travelled by charcoal meal at 50 and 100 mg/kg of extract showed a significant reduction in the secretion of gastrointestinal fluid accumulation by 32.5–65.0%. The Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations on castor oil-induced fluid accumulation showed a greater inhibitory effect on Na⁺ levels than on K⁺ concentrations. C. tamala significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001) and increased the catalase (P < 0.01) activity in comparison to the castor oil-induced groups. C. tamala leaf extract did not show any significant effect at a higher dose (15 mg/ml) on mast cell degranulation. However, the extract in the dose of 5 and 10 mg/ml conferred significant mast cell protective action (P < 0.001). The percentage of eugenol in extract is 3.8% w/w, and total tannin is 247.5 mg/g. The result indicates the Indian spice C. tamala is useful for diarrhoea.     

Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Leaves of Melastoma malabathricum Linn.

The antidiarrhoeal effect of the water extract of Melastoma malabathricum Linn. (Melastomataceae) leaves were investigated by employing four experimental models of diarrhea in Swiss mice. Melastoma malabathricum water extract treated mice showed significant reduction in the fecal output and protected them from castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The extract also reduced the intestinal fluid secretion induced by magnesium sulphate and gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration in the mice. No mortality and visible signs of general weakness was observed in the mice following the test extract administration up to 2000 mg/kg dose.     

Antidiarrheal,antisecretory, and bronchodilatory activities of Hypericum perforatum

This study describes the antidiarrheal, antisecretory, and bronchodilatory activities of Hypericum perforatum Linn. (Hypericaceae), commonly known as St. John’s wort, to justify its traditional use in the hyperactivity of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. The crude extract of Hypericum perforatum (Hp.Cr) at a dose of 500?mg/kg caused 20% protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice and 60% at 1000?mg/kg (p?<?0.05 vs. saline). Hp.Cr at 300 and 1000?mg/kg reduced the castor oil-induced fluid accumulation in mice to 107.0?±?3.3?g (p?<?0.01) and 84.0?±?4.2?g (p?<?0.001) respectively, whereas in the castor oil-treated group, it was 126.9?±?3.9?g. When tested against carbachol (CCh)-mediated bronchoconstriction in rats under anesthesia, Hp.Cr dose-dependently (3–?30?mg/kg) suppressed the CCh (1?μmol/kg)-induced increase in the inspiratory pressure. Thus this study rationalizes the Hypericum perforatum usefulness in overactive gut and airways disorders, such as diarrhea and asthma.