In-vivo antidiarrheal activity: From the crude extract and solvent fractions of Rhamnus prinoides (Rhamnaceae) leaves

ObjectivesThe inherent toxicities of the drugs urge the search for alternative drugs that are safe and effective. Therefore, the objective of the study is to evaluate the in-vivo anti-diarrheal activity of crude extract and solvent fractions of Rhamnus prinoides leaves. MethodsThe Leaves of Rhamnus prinoides were macerated using absolute methanol and then fractionated. For in-vivo antidiarrheal activity evaluation of the crude extract and solvent fraction, castor oil-induced diarrhea, castor oil-induced anti-enteropolling, and intestinal transit models were used. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data, followed by a Tukey post-test. The standard and negative control groups were treated with loperamide and 2% tween 80 respectively. ResultsA significant reduction in the frequency of wet stools and watery content of diarrhea, intestinal motility, intestinal fluid accumulation, and delaying the onset of diarrhea as compared with controls were observed in mice treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ME. However the effect increased dose-dependently, and the 400 mg/kg ME produced a comparable effect with the standard drug in all models. Amongst the solvent fractions, n-BF significantly delayed the time of diarrheal onset and reduced the frequency of defecation, and intestinal motility at doses of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. Furthermore, the maximum percentage inhibition of intestinal fluid accumulation was observed in mice treated with 400 mg/kg n-BF (p<0.01; 61.05%). ConclusionThe results of this study showed that crude leaves extract and solvent fractions of Rhamnus prinoides had significant anti-diarrheal activity, providing scientific support for its traditional use as a diarrhea treatment.