Search

The leaves of the plant Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) has been traditionally used in treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders including diarrhoea and have also been reported for its potent antidiarrhoeal activity on various chemical induced diarrhoea models. The objective of our present study was to evaluate the potency of the leaf extract of the plant Psidium guajava (PGE) along with its major biomarker quercetin against Shigella flexneri-induced sub chronic model of infectious diarrhoea. PGE at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. and quercetin at 50 mg/kg, p.o. were administered to Shigella flexneri-induced diarrhoeal rats for five days and various behavioural parameters were evaluated on 1st, 3rd and 5th day of treatment. This was followed by assessment of stool water content, density of Shigella flexneri in stools and blood parameters examination. After treatment, colon and small intestine of rats was dissected and subjected to biochemical estimations, cytokine profiling, antioxidant evaluations, ion concentration determination, Na+/K+–ATPase activity and histopathology. Molecular docking studies on crystal structure of Secreted Extracellular Protein A (SepA) from Shigella flexneri with biomarker quercetin was also performed. PGE at 200 mg/kg followed by quercetin depicted maximum antidiarrhoeal potential, which was confirmed through diarrhoea score and % protection, while PGE at 400 mg/kg showed similar effect to PGE 200 mg/kg thus, the later may have ceiling effect. PGE and quercetin also significantly reduced the density of Shigella flexneri in stools, water content of stools and restored the alterations observed in blood parameters, antioxidant status and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) expression. These parameters contributed in normalization of electrolyte balance, reactivation of Na+/K+–ATPase activity and repairing of epithelial tissue damage, confirmed through histopathology. Docking simulation studies revealed the role of quercetin in inactivating the protease activity of SepA, a protein secreted by Shigella, which disrupts epithelial barrier integrity during infection and also manages its signal production. Thus, the overall results confirmed the role of quercetin as a major biomarker for the observed antidiarrhoeal potential of P. guajava against Shigella flexneri induced infectious diarrhoea.

Rumex hastatus (Polygonaceae), known as “Khatimal”, is perennial shrub found as a common weed all over the hills of India and Pakistan. The intact plant is used in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine. In traditional systems of medicine, the plant is reputed for its laxative, tonic agent, diuretic, against rheumatism, skin diseases, piles, bleeding of the lungs, foot and mouth infections, asthma, cough, jaundice, headache, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, weakness and scabies. The whole plant is ascribed to possess medicinal virtues in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. The review reveals that phytochemical constituents of extensive range have been separated from the plants and it possesses main pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, phytotoxic, cytotoxic, antidiarrhoeal, neurodegenerative disorders, antitumor and anti-angiogenic potentials. This review highlights the phytochemical, conventional, ethno botanical, pharmacological information available on R. hastatus, which might be obliging for researchers and scientists to find out new element entities responsible for its claimed conventional uses.

Juniperus communis is a shrub or small evergreen tree, native to Europe, South Asia, and North America, and belongs to family Cupressaceae. It has been widely used as herbal medicine from ancient time. Traditionally the plant is being potentially used as antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic and in the treatment of various abdominal disorders. The main chemical constituents, which were reported in J. communis L. are α-pinene, β-pinene, apigenin, sabinene, β-sitosterol, campesterol, limonene, cupressuflavone, and many others. This review includes the last 20 years journals and various books update on this plant, representing its pharmacological activity and health benefits against various diseases.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Xysmalobium undulatum, commonly known as uzara, is traditionally used as an antidiarrhoeal and to treat stomach cramps, dysmenorrhoea and afterbirth cramps. In addition, it was reportedly used to treat anxiety and other conditions relating to mental health. Aim of the review To unite the botanical aspects, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, toxicity and commercial aspects of the scientific literature available on uzara. Method An extensive review of the literature covering 1917–2014 was carried out. Electronic databases including Scopus®, Pubmed®, Google Scholar® and Google® were used to assemble the data. All abstracts, full-text articles and books written in English and German were examined and included. Results The phytochemistry of uzara has been comprehensively investigated and at least 18 compounds have been isolated and characterised. Uzara contains mainly cardenolide glycosides such as uzarin and xysmalorin and cardenolide aglycones such as uzarigenin and xysmalogenin. Limited scientific studies on the biological activity of uzara have been done. In vitro antisecretory antidiarrhoeal action was confirmed. Central nervous system activity was conflicting, in vitro and in vivo (animals) studies were inconclusive and no clinical studies have been performed. No antimutagenic effects have been reported and no toxicity up to date has been associated with uzara consumption. Significant cross-reactivity of uzara compounds with commercial digoxin and digitoxin assays may interfere with therapeutic drug monitoring. Conclusions The key traditional uses associated with uzara have been investigated in vitro and in vivo (animal), but clinical trial data is lacking.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Cissampelos species have a rich history of traditional use, being used for both therapeutic and toxic properties. It is traditionally applied therapeutically in a diverse range of conditions and diseases including asthma, cough, fever, arthritis, obesity, dysentery, snakebite, jaundice and heart, blood pressure and skin-related problems. Conversely, it was traditionally included in preparations of curare applied as arrow poison during hunting to cause death of animals by asphyxiation. This review unites the ethnobotanical knowledge on Cissampelos with the phytochemistry and pharmacological activity which has been explored thus far. In addition, it identifies knowledge gaps and suggests further research opportunities. Methods The available electronic literature on the genus Cissampelos was collected using database searches including Scopus, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Web of Science, etc. The searches were limited to peer-reviewed English journals with the exception of books and a few articles in foreign languages which were included. Results The literature revealed that pharmacological activity including analgesic and antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, bronchodilator, immunomodulatory, memory-enhancing, antidepressant, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiparasitic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, anti-oxidant, cardiovascular, muscle-relaxant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antifertility, and antivenom activity have been confirmed in vitro and/or in vivo for various Cissampelos species. Cissampelos pareira L. and Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. are the most explored species of this genus and the smallest number of studies have been conducted on Cissampelos laxiflora Moldenke and Cissampelos tenuipes Engl. Many alkaloids isolated from Cissampelos such as warifteine, methylwarifteine, berberine, hayatin and hayatidin showed promising anti-allergic, immunosuppressive, antidepressant, anticancer, vasodilatory and muscle-relaxant activities. Conclusion The plants of this genus are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. These plants are a rich source of bioactive bisbenzylisoquinoline and aporphine alkaloids together with other minor constituents. Although these plants are reputable and revered in various traditional medicine systems, many have not yet been screened chemically or pharmacologically and so there is a vast amount of research still to be conducted to validate their traditional use.

Aim: The study was designed to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal property of the methanol extract of the fruit of Adansonia digitata using laboratory animal models. Materials and Methods: The acute oral toxicity (LD50) of the extract was determined in mice, while the antidiarrhoeal effect of different doses of the extract was evaluated in both mice and rats. The effect of the extract at doses of 300, 700 and 1000 mg/kg were tested against intestinal transit time, magnesium sulphate-induced gastrointestinal motility test and castor oil-induced diarrhoea, respectively in mice. Similarly, the extract at the doses mentioned above was evaluated against castor-oil induced enteropooling in rats. Results: The methanol extract of A. digitata was shown to have no toxic effect in mice at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. At doses of 300 and 700 mg/kg the extract significantly (p

BACKGROUND Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. is an important medicinal plant used traditionally as an antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal agent and blood purifier and as a medicine for a variety of ailments. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of M. koenigii (MK) on diabetes-associated insulin resistance induced in mice by chronic low-dose injection of dexamethasone. RESULTS Mice treated with dexamethasone exhibited hyperglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Treatment with MK reduced the extent of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycaemia and decreased insulin resistance as indicated by improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin-stimulated AKT phosphorylation in skeletal muscle tissue. Further evaluation in clonal skeletal muscle cell lines suggested that MK increased glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells by increasing cell surface GLUT4 density via an AKT-mediated pathway. CONCLUSION MK can ameliorate dexamethasone-induced hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance in part by increasing glucose disposal into skeletal muscle. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Ethnopharmacological relevance Trapa natans L. has a folkloric reputation as nutrient, appetizer and astringent. Its utility as antidiabetic, anticancer, diuretic, aphrodisiac, antidiarrhoeal and in many other maladies is well reported in the literature. Therefore, the present study has been carried out to study the antihyperglycemic effect of root extract of Trapa natans L. and its various fractions. Furthermore, hepatotoxic effects and lipid peroxidation risks have also been evaluated. Methods The ethanol extract and its successive fractions obtained from roots of Trapa natans have been administered in sucrose loaded and STZ- induced diabetic Wistar rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. Glibenclamide was used as positive control. The evaluation of protective effects of extract as well as fractions against hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation at 600 mg/kg b.w. has also been carried out. Results The methanol fraction emerged as the most potent antihyperglycemic fraction. It has also been found that the ethanolic extract as well as its fractions did not cause any lipid peroxidation and hepatotoxicity risks. Conclusion It can be concluded that the intense investigations of the methanol fraction obtained from Trapa natans root extract can be done to provide an alternative natural therapy for hyperglycemia.

Medicinal plants are used in herbalism. They form the easily available source for healthcare purposes in rural and tribal areas. In the present review, an attempt has been made to congregate the phytochemical and pharmacological studies done on an important medicinal plant Aegle marmelos. Extensive experimental and clinical studies prove that Aegle marmelos possesses antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antiviral, radioprotective, anticancer, chemopreventive, antipyretic, ulcer healing, antigenotoxic, diuretic, antifertility and anti-inflammatory properties, which help it to play role in prevention and treatment of many disease. Therefore, it is worthwhile to review its therapeutic properties to give an overview of its status to scientist both modern and ancient. This review also encompasses on the potential application of the above plant in the pharmaceutical field due to its wide pharmacological activities.

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).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.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 (P0.05) 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.Results showed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Pupalia lappacea possesses antidiarrhoeal activity possibly mediated by antimuscarinic receptor activity.

Rumex vesicarius L is a valuable potent medicinal herb, which belongs to family Polygonaceae. It possesses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antidiarrhoeal and antioxidant properties. An attempt to study the In vitro callus induction and regeneration of plantlets from calli of leaf and nodal segments as explants has been achieved. Initially mature seeds were excised from plants grown in the departmental garden of KL University. The sterilized seed explants were inoculated aseptically to the solid basal SH media without any growth regulators for seed germination. Effective plantlets observed after 1 week of culture inoculation under maintained controlled conditions. From these In vitro plantlets, leaf and nodal segments were taken as explants for this study. These explants were inoculated on SH medium supplemented with different concentrations of BA (0.5-5.0mg/l) and 2, 4-D (0.5-3.0mg/l) for callus induction and multiple shoot regeneration. 90% of callus induction was observed on media containing BA 4.0mg/l and efficient multiple shoot induction (96.6%) was observed on media containing BA 1.0mg/l from leaf explants. 90% of callus induction and 85% of multiple shoot induction observed on media containing BA 2.0mg/l from nodal explants. Roots were induced from In vitro shoots on SH medium supplemented with 1mg/l IBA after 1 week. Leaf explants were more regenerative with 96.6% response compared to nodal explants 85%. Finally these In Original Research Article British Biotechnology Journal, 4(5): 520-530, 2014 521 vitro regenerated plantlets were hardened, acclimatized and successfully transferred to the field. This protocol will be useful for mass multiplication of plantlets and maintenance of germplasm throughout the year.

Holoptelea integrifolia(Ulmaceae) is a versatile medicinal plant used in various indigenous systems of medicine for curing routine healthcare maladies. It is traditionally used in the treatment and prevention of several ailments like leprosy, inflammation, rickets, leucoderma, scabies, rheumatism, ringworm, eczema, malaria, intestinal cancer, and chronic wounds.In vitroandin vivopharmacological investigations on crude extracts and isolated compounds showed antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, adaptogenic, anticancer, wound healing, hepatoprotective, larvicidal, antiemetic, CNS depressant, and hypolipidemic activities. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of terpenoids, sterols, saponins, tannins, proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinines. Numerous compounds including Holoptelin-A, Holoptelin-B, friedlin, epifriedlin,β-amyrin, stigmasterol,β-sitosterol, 1, 4-napthalenedione, betulin, betulinic acid, hexacosanol, and octacosanol have been identified and isolated from the plant species. The results of several studies indicated thatH. integrifoliamay be used as an effective therapeutic remedy in the prevention and treatment of various ailments. However, further studies on chemical constituents and their mechanisms in exhibiting certain biological activities are needed. In addition, study on the toxicity of the crude extracts and the compounds isolated from this plant should be assessed to ensure their eligibility to be used as source of modern medicines.

Tinospora cordifolia is indigenous to the tropical areas of India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The use of plant as remedy for diarrhea and ulcer is well-documented in Ayurvedic system of medicine. However, pharmacological evidence does not exist to substantiate its therapeutic efficacy for the same. The aim was to investigate the antidiarrheal and antiulcer activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of T. cordifolia in rats. The antidiarrheal activity of T. cordifolia extracts was evaluated by castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea using parameters such as onset of diarrhea, number of wet stools, total number of stool and weight of total number of stools. The antiulcer activity of extracts was investigated using ethanol and pylorus ligation-induced ulcer. Furthermore, tissue antioxidant parameters such as reduced glutathione, catalase activity and lipid peroxidation level were also investigated. Tinospora cordifolia extracts were more efficacious in reducing number of total stools in both the models of diarrhea and showed a dose-dependent antidiarrheal effect. The antiulcer activity of the extracts was confirmed by a reduction in ulcer index along with the decrease in gastric volume, total acidity, and an increase in pH of gastric content in both the models. The obtained results have established a pharmacological evidence for the folkloric use of the T. cordifolia as antidiarrhoeal and antiulcer agent.

Aim of the study In southern Africa many plant species are used to treat different ailments and diseases related to infections. Diarrhoea is not only an important disease of humans but also causes large losses in the animal production industry. The antimicrobial activity of many of these species may however, be based on their tannin content. Even though high tannin content may be therapeutically effective against pathogens causing diarrhoea, nutritional side effects limit its prophylactic use in animal production. The aims of the study were two-fold. In the first place it was to compile a list of species used traditionally to treat diarrhoea. The second aim was to identify and remove those species where a potential antidiarrhoeal activity may be due to tannins, because it would be counterproductive to use in production animal systems. Materials and methods After a literature study, 53 tree species used to treat diarrhoea or dysentery in humans or animals in southern Africa were identified. Plant material was collected and dried powdered leaves were extracted with acetone. To select plants with potential use as prophylactics against diarrhoea, the tannin content was determined by a radial diffusion method of precipitation of bovine serum albumin in agar and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Results Based on our literature research plant species from at least 37 tree families are used traditionally to treat diarrhoea in southern Africa. Most of the species were from the Fabaceae (9), Euphorbiaceae (6), Anacardiaceae (3) and Combretaceae (3). The highest tannin content of 11.3 mg/ml gallic acid equivalents was detected in leaf extracts of Combretum molle and Sclerocarya birrea . About 40% of the species tested contained no tannin based on the assay used. Conclusions As other authors have found, the tannin content within a family varied strongly. Therefore it is dangerous to make any conclusions on the tannin content of the same plant family. About 42% of the species had no detectable tannin content and another 25% contained 0–2 mg/ml gallic acid equivalent tannins. In general it appears that in most cases tannins do not play a major role in treating diarrhoea in southern African ethnomedicine. If aqueous extracts were used, the situation could have been different.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Nymphaeaceae), a perennial aquatic plant, has been used as a medicinal herb in China and India. It has been recorded in the most famous medicinal book in China for more than 400 years. Different part of plant (leaves, seeds, flower, and rhizome) can be used in traditional system of medicine. In traditional system of medicine, the different parts of plant is reported to possess beneficial effects as in for the treatment of pharyngopathy, pectoralgia, spermatorrhoea, leucoderma, smallpox, dysentery, cough, haematemesis, epistaxis, haemoptysis, haematuria, metrorrhagia, hyperlipidaemia, fever, cholera, hepatopathy and hyperdipsia. Following the traditional claims for the use of N.nucifera as cure of numerous diseases considerable efforts have been made by researchers to verify it’s utility through scientific pharmacological screenings. The pharmacological studies have shown that N.nucifera posseses various notable pharmacological activities like amti-ischemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antiobesity, lipolytic, hypocholestemic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, antidiarrhoeal, antifungal, antibacterial, antiinflammatory and diuretic activities. A wide variety of phytoprinciples have been isolated from the plant. The present review is an effort to consolidate traditional, ethnobotanic, phytochemical and pharmacological information available on N.nucifera.

The Ocimum species is a medicinal herb used in the indigenous system of medicine. Ocimum sp. have variety of biological, pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, anthelmentic, antidiarrhoeal, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, central nervous system (CNS) depressant, antidiabetic, antithyroidic, antioxidant, anticancer, chemopreventive, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, antifertility, antiulcer, antiarthritic, antistress, antileucodermal and anticoagulant activities. Sevral species of Ocimum are used to cure central nervous system (CNS) disorders.in various part of the world due to its anticonvulsant property .epilepsy is a chronic disorder which is characterized by seizures. Seizures are resistant to treatment with currently available anticonvulsant drug (AEDs) in about one out of three patient with epilepsy. This review refers to the study of ocimum as an antiepileptic drug (AEDs) because of its specific anticonvulsant property.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9168 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 180-183

Diarrhea is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under age of 5 years. In view of this problem, the World Health Organization has encouraged studies for treatment and prevention of diarrhoeal diseases depending on traditional medicinal practices. Extracts of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders. In this study, the antidiarrhoeal activity of the aqueous fruit extract of Phoenix dactylifera was investigated by castor oil- induced diarrhoea, enteropooling and gastrointestinal motility activity in Wistar rats. Like the standard drug (5mg/kg loperamide), the extract (1000 and 1500mg/kg body weight) elicited a significant decrease in the severity of diarrhoea. The extract significantly (p

In the last few years there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine, and these drugs are gaining popularity in both developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and lesser side effects. Syzygium cumini (syn. Eugenia jambolana, Syzygium jambolana, Eugenia cumini, Syzygium jambos), commonly known as jamun in India, is an evergreen tree distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and East Africa. It is mainly utilised as a fruit producer and for its timber. Medicinally, the fruit is reported to have antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic, antioxidant, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, antiallergic, antiarthritic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifertility, antipyretic, antiplaque, radioprotective, neuropsychopharmacological, nephroprotective and antidiarrhoeal activities. Among these beneficial physiological effects, the antidiabetic property of S. cumini has the most promising nutraceutical value. The health-beneficial effects of S. cumini are mainly attributed to various phytoconstituents such as tannins, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, phenols, minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins present in the fruit. This review paper presents an overview of experimental evidence for the pharmacological potential of S. cumini.

BACKGROUND Diarrhoea is common in critically ill patients, especially in elderly subjects during antibiotic therapy and enteral feeding. The management of diarrhoea includes generous hydration, compensation for the loss of electrolytes, antidiarrhoeal oral medications, and antibiotic drugs in infections related diarrhoea. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this review is to provide an update on particular types of diarrhoea in critically ill patients. Epidemiological data will be discussed, with special emphasis on Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. The possible therapeutic measures will be presented.

Punica granatum (Family: Punicaceae) is a widely consumed fruit in Bangladesh locally known as Anar or Bedana. Traditionally the plant is used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, hemorrhage, tuberculosis and chronic periodontitis. The present study was undertaken in order to justify and authenticate the traditional use of rind of P. granatum fruit in diarrhoea. Methanolic extract of the rind of the fruit was tested in castor oil- and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhoea in mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The results of the present study revealed significant antidiarrhoeal activity (p

Croton macrostachyusis widely used as herbal medicine by the indigenous people of tropical Africa. The potential ofC. macrostachyusas herbal medicine, the phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of its parts used as herbal medicines are reviewed. The extensive literature survey revealed thatC. macrostachyusis traditionally used to treat or manage at least 81 human and animal diseases and ailments. The species is used as herbal medicine for diseases and ailments such as abdominal pains, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, malaria, pneumonia, sexually transmitted infections, skin infections, typhoid, and wounds and as ethnoveterinary medicine. Multiple classes of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, amino acids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, essential oil, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, phlobatannins, polyphenols, phytosteroides, saponins, sterols, tannins, terpenoids, unsaturated sterol, vitamin C, and withanoides have been isolated from the species. Pharmacological studies onC. macrostachyusindicate that it has a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antidiarrhoeal, antifungal, anticonvulsant and sedative, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and larvicidal effects.Croton macrostachyushas potential as a possible source of a wide range of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of a wide range of both human and animal diseases and ailments.

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts from M. oleifera leaves by evaluating its potential as antibacterial (against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae), antisecretory and antipropulsive agent.

Aims: The fruit of Scindapsusofficinalisis known as Gajapeepal in Ayurveda. The folk lore claim ofS.officinalisfruits are antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal, carminative, expectorant, tonic, antip rotozoal, anticancer, sharpening hearing, cardiotonic and regulating the bowel and appetite. It is also used in dysentery, asthma, troubles of the throat, bronchitis and for many other medical conditions. Hence the present studies were undertaken to highli ght the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the fruit. Study Design: In this study, the ethanol extract of S.officinalis(EE0SF) was primarily evaluated through phytochemicalscreening. The compounds found in the fruit are of pharmacological interest which prompted us to focus the research on its possible analgesic and anti-diabetic activityand whether these effects are of any statistical significance. Place and Duration of Study: The research experiments were conducted in the

A. tortilis is commonly known as “Israeli babool”. The species is exposed to the world for its pods, gum and other aerial parts as fodder &feed for cattles. The plant was used as antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antiasthmatic and also had several other medicinal benefits but the seed oil was not explored to the extent of its real potential. Hence the study was carried out to characterize the seed for oil and analysis of fatty acid composition through GC for quality control and maintenance. Commercial indices of oil were also estimated. Extracted oil is rich in Linolenic acid (50.43%) and Linoleic acid (36.74%). Beside this palmitic, stearic and oleic acid are other fatty acids identified. MUFA, PUFA, SFA and omega-6/ omega-3 ratio were also found to be promising for its potentiality in edible and clinical uses. The investigation thus scopes the utility of oil and prospects the lesser known plant seed as alternative oil source of nutritional and therapeutic importance.

The present study was carried out to investigate possible antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal activities of ethanol extract of Feronia limonia leaves. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract was performed to detect presence of different kinds of phytoconstituents. The antibacterial activity was investigated against four Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria by using disc diffusion method. The plant extract showed moderate antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria namely Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus pyogenes and all tested Gram negative bacteria namely Escherichia coli, Shigella boydii, Shigella dysentery and Shigella flexneri in dose dependant manner. The results of castor oil-induced diarrhoeal study showed that Feronia limonia extract significantly reduced the severity & frequency of diarrhoea in mice at a higher dose of 500 mg/kg compared with the standard drug loperamide (25 mg/kg). The present study clearly supports the medicinal value of this plant. The overall results indicate the possibility of presence of some active principles in the plant extract possessing antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal actions.

Immunotropic aspect of the Bacillus coagulans probiotic actionObjectiveCurrently, probiotics are increasingly used as the alternative to antibiotics as well as the preventive measures in humans. In particular, probiotics occupy a key position in the treatment of antibiotics-associated intestinal dysbiosis. A spore-forming microorganism lactobacillus Bacillus coagulans is one of the most promising probiotics. However, some of its pharmacological effects remain poorly understood.Aim.This study is aimed at investigation of the effect of Bacillus coagulans (Laktovit Forte) on the intestinal dysbiosis syndrome in mice caused by streptomycin against the background of cyclophosphamide-induced cellular immunodeficiency.Methods.Pharmacological method: mouse model in vivo with immunodeficiency caused by cyclophosphamide.Key findings.In mice with colitis caused by streptomycin treatment, the administration of Bacillus coagulans (Laktovit Forte medicinal product) resulted in an antidiarrheal effect, normalization of gastrointestinal motility, and prevention of the animals’ weight loss. Given the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and streptomycin-associated diarrhoea, the immunity was completely restored only under the action of Bacillus coagulans.Conclusions.According to all parameters, Bacillus coagulans has been proved to be more effective as compared to the Linex Forte reference product containing lacto‐ and bifidobacteria.

BackgroundSyzygium guineense(Myrtaceae) has been used in traditional medicine against various ailments, including diarrhoea. This study was conducted to scientifically evaluate the antidiarrheal effects ofS. guineenseextract and fractions.MethodsAn ethanol extract ofS. guineenseleaves was prepared and tested for its effect on small intestinal propulsion in mice and castor oil-induced fluid accumulation in rats. The extract was also evaluated for its effect on itopride-induced small intestine propulsion in mice. Column fractions were also investigated in rats and sub-fractions were tested for activity on spontaneous contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum.ResultsThe results showed that the extract significantly (p0.05). Column separation yielded 14 fractions, with three fractions producing significant (p13C NMR) of sub-fractions 7 and 16 revealed the presence of betulinic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid in 7 and a mixture of luteolin and friedelane-type triterpenes in 16.ConclusionsThese findings provide scientific evidence thatS. guineenseleaf extract possess antidiarrhoeal activity and may be potentially beneficial in treatment diarrhoeal disease. The identified compounds may also be implicated in its antidiarrhoeal effects.

Preliminary phytochemical screenings with the crude extractives of Alpinia conchigera Griff. and Plumbago indica L. demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, steroids, saponins and reducing sugars. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of methanol extracts of A. conchigera and P. indica have been evaluated against 4 Gram positive and 7 Gram negative pathogenic bacteria and 7 fungi using ciprofloxacin and fluconazole as standards, respectively, where the extract showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 15.0 to 27.0 mm. A. conchigera demonstrated significant zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Bacillus cereus Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Shigella sonnei , Vibrio cholerae while P. indica revealed strong inhibitory activity against Candida albicans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphi. The MICs of the both plant extractives were found to be 31.25 ?g/ml against B. cereus, S. paratyphi, V. cholerae, A. niger and B. dermatitidis . In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the LC 50 and LC 90 of A . conchigera and P. indica were found to be 6.1 & 12.2 ?g/ml and 5.0 &12.0 ?g/ml, respectively. A significant dose dependent antidiarrhoeal, antimotility and analgesic activities were observed during screening in mice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12581 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15 (2): 153-157, 2012

Objective To examine the antidiarrhoeal activity of alcoholic and aqueous seed kernel extract of Mangifera indica (M. indica) on castor oil-induced diarrhoeal activity in Swiss albino mice. Methods Mango seed kernels were processed and extracted using alcohol and water. Antidiarrhoeal activity of the extracts were assessed using intestinal motility and faecal score methods. Results Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of M. indica significantly reduced intestinal motility and faecal score in Swiss albino mice. Conclusions The present study shows the traditional claim on the use of M. indica seed kernel for treating diarrhoea in Southern parts of India.

Oenothera genus (Onagraceae) has been used as a folk remedy since ancient times for the treatment of asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, neuralgia, skin diseases, and hepatic and kidney diseases. Different chemical constituents like lipids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and triterpenes have been isolated from this genus. The various notable pharmacological activities reported from the genus are antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidaemic, thrombolytic and antidiarrhoeal. The present paper is to summarize the worldwide reported biological activities and phytoconstituents associated with this genus for about 50 years and highlight the medicinally important species belonging to this genus so that these species can be further explored and used as therapeutic agents for various diseases.

Objective To evaluate anti-diarrhoeal activity of aqueous and alcoholic extract of the leaves of Murraya koenigii (M. koenigii)by using models of castor oil induced diarrhoea, charcoal meal test and PGE2 induced diarrhoea. Methods Alcoholic extract (400 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) of leaves of Murraya koenigii were used with loperamide as standard. Albino Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 150–250 g were used for the anti-diarrhoeal activity. Results The result suggested that it could act centrally and inhibit the PGE2 to give anti-diarrhoeal effects. Result of charcoal meal test also suggested its anti-muscarnic activity. Conclusions These findings indicate that aqueous extract of the leaves of M. koenigii displays good anti-diarrhoeal activity, corroborating the folk use of M. koenigii preparations and contributing for its pharmacological validation.

Objective To investigate the antidiarrhoeal activity of 95% total alcoholic extract (TAE) and total aqueous extract (TAQ) of Carum copticum ( C. copticum ) seeds. Methods Antidiarrhoeal activity of C. copticum seed extracts at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW was evaluated using experimentally induced castor oil diarrhoea, gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal and enteropooling activity in male wistar rats and compared to standard drugs. Results At a dose of 100 mg/Kg BW (TAQ and TAE) significantly decreased the diarrhoeal droppings in castor oil induced diarrhoea, the mean distance travelled by charcoal meal showed a significant reduction in the secretion of gastrointestinal fluid accumulation by 39.90% to 50.70%. C. copticum extracts on castor oil induced fluid accumulation showed a greater inhibitory effect on Na + levels than on K + concentrations. Conclusions These results suggest that C. copticum seed extracts could be used for the treatment of diarrhoea.

The genus Tithonia is an important source of diverse natural products, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, and flavonoids. The collected information in this review attempts to summarize the recent developments in the ethnobotany, biological activities, and secondary metabolite chemistry of this genus. More than 100 structures of natural products from Tithonia are reported in this review. The species that has been most investigated in this genus is T. diversifolia, from which ca. 150 compounds were isolated. Biological studies are described to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimalarial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, vasorelaxant, cancer-chemopreventive, cytotoxic, toxicological, bioinsecticide, and repellent activities. A few of these studies have been carried out with isolated compounds from Tithonia species, but the majority has been conducted with different extracts. The relationship between the biological activity and the toxicity of compounds isolated from the plants of this genus as well as T. diversifolia extracts still remains unclear, and mechanisms of action remain to be determined.

Ixora coccinea Linn., (Rubiaceae) commonly known as jungle of geranium and red ixora, is an evergreen shrub found throughout India. Depending on the medical condition, the flowers, leaves, roots, and the stem are used to treat various ailments in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda, and also in various folk medicines. The fruits, when fully ripe, are used as a dietary source. Phytochemical studies indicate that the plant contains important phytochemicals such as lupeol, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, sitosterol, rutin, lecocyanadin, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin. Pharmacological studies suggest that the plant possesses antioxidative, antibacterial, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiarrhoeal, antinociceptive, antimutagenic, antineoplastic and chemopreventive effects, thus lending scientific support to the plant's ethnomedicinal uses. In the present review, efforts are made in addressing its ethnomedicinal uses, chemical constituents, and validated pharmacological observations.

Background: Urtica dioica L. is a common Himalayan species which produces allergenic substances causing oedema and inflammation in humans. It has become a source of folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The leaves and roots both are used internally as a blood purifier and diuretic and an infusion of the plant is used for nasal and menstrual haemorrhage, diabetes, rheumatism, eczema, anaemia, hair loss, as an expectorant and antidiarrhoeal. Present study includes pharmacognostic evaluation, antioxidant activity and HPTLC analysis of Urtica dioica L. Methods: Pharmacognostic evaluation of aerial part of U. dioica has been performed as per Indian pharmacopoeia. In-vitro antioxidant evaluation of U. dioica has been performed using DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Ferulic acid, a potential phenolic antioxidant present in this species, has been studied through HPTLC. Results: U. dioica hydro-alcoholic extract shows positive results for antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 88.33 ± 2.88 μg/ml. Standard ascorbic acid showed IC50 value of 2.8 ± 0.62 μg/ml. Ferulic acid was identified at Rf 0.61 ± 0.01 and quantified to 0.73% in this species through CAMAG HPTLC analysis. Conclusion: The pharmacognostical parameters reported can be considered as quality standards of U. dioica in herbal industry. Hydro-alcoholic extract of U. dioica showed positive in vitro antioxidant activity. Presence of phenolic compound suggests that antioxidant activity may be due to ferulic acid content.

Piper nigrum L. is considered the king of spices throughout the world due to its pungent principle piperine. Peppercorn of Piper nigrum as a whole or its active components are used in most of the food items. Different parts of Piper nigrum including secondary metabolites are also used as drug, preservative, insecticidal and larvicidal control agents. Biologically Piper nigrum is very important specie. The biological role of this specie is explained in different experiments that peppercorn and secondary metabolites of Piper nigrum can be used as Antiapoptotic, Antibacterial, Anti-Colon toxin, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Antidiarrhoeal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimutagenic, Anti-metastatic activity, Antioxidative, Antiriyretic, Antispasmodic, Antispermatogenic, Antitumor, Antithyroid, Ciprofloxacin potentiator, Cold extremities, Gastric ailments, Hepatoprotective, Insecticidal activity, Intermittent fever and Larvisidal activity. Other roles of this specie includes protection against diabetes induced oxidative stress; Piperine protect oxidation of various chemicals, decreased mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, inhibition of aryl hydroxylation, increased bioavailability of vaccine and sparteine, increase the bioavailability of active compounds, delayed elimination of antiepileptic drug, increased orocecal transit time, piperine influenced and activate the biomembrane to absorb variety of active agents, increased serum concentration, reducing mutational events, tumour inhibitory activity, Piperine inhibite mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, growth stimulatory activity and chemopreventive effect. This review based on the biological role of Piper nigrum can provide that the peppercorn or other parts can be used as crude drug for various diseases while the secondary metabolites such as piperine can be used for specific diseases.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Antidepressant use has increased in the last decade. Several studies have suggested a possible association between maternal antidepressant use and teratogenic effects. In a review of the pharmacologic literature we showed that antidepressant exposure might disturb the development of the enteric nervous system. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • In utero exposure to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the second and third trimester or to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the first trimester leads to a significant increase in laxative use compared with non-exposed children. SSRI exposure was not associated with significant increased antidiarrhoeal medication use, but TCA exposure was. AIMS Antidepressant use has increased in the last decade. Several studies have suggested a possible association between maternal antidepressant use and teratogenic effects. METHODS The pharmacy prescription database IADB.nl was used for a cohort study in which laxative and antidiarrhoeal medication use in children after in utero exposure to antidepressants (TCA, SSRI, fluoxetine or paroxetine exposed) was compared with no antidepressant exposure. Laxatives and antidiarrhoeal medication use were applied as a proxy for constipation and diarrhoea respectively, which may be associated with disturbed enteric nervous system (ENS) development. RESULTS Children exposed in utero to SSRIs (mainly fluoxetine and paroxetine) in the second and third trimester or to TCAs in the first trimester, more often received laxatives. Combined exposure to TCAs and SSRIs in pregnancy was associated with a 10-fold increase in laxative use. In utero exposure to SSRIs is not associated with antidiarrhoeal medication use compared with non-exposed children. In contrast, antidiarrhoeal medication use was significantly higher in children exposed to TCAs anytime in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The increased laxative use after second and third trimester exposure to SSRIs might be explained through the inhibitory effect of the serotonin re-uptake transporter (SERT) and because of selectivity for the 5-HT2B receptor which affects the ENS. TCA exposure during the first trimester leads to increased laxative use probably through inhibition of the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Exposure of TCAs anytime in pregnancy leads to increase diarrhoeal use possibly through down-regulation of α2-adrenoceptors or up-regulation of the pore forming α1c subunit.

The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal and cytotoxic properties of the aerial parts of Trichosanthes dioica. The petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts were tested for antioxidant activity using nitric oxide scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity and total flavonoid content determination; castor oil-induced and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea in mice were used to evaluate antidiarrhoeal activity while Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was employed for cytotoxicity test. The extracts exhibited significant radical scavenging capacity against nitric oxide. The order of radical scavenging was ascorbic acid > water extract > ethyl acetate extract > methanol extract > petroleum ether extract. The assay also revealed significant total antioxidant activity and a good amount of flavonoids in the extracts. Results of antidiarrhoeal tests at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight significantly (p

Ayurveda, an Indian traditional system of medicine is being successfully used in many countries of the world. Principle of Ayurveda is based on balance between the interrelated relationships within the body and mind. Asava and arista are popularly used in Ayurvedic practice for treatment of various complicated ailments. These preparations occupy important position in the pharmaceutical field. These are also considered as unique dosage forms of Ayurveda due to their self generation of alcohol and indefinite shelf life period. They can be stored for long time without losing their potency instead the potency is increased as these preparations become old. These alcoholic preparations possess several pharmacological properties and are used against many chronic diseases such as rheumatism, heart disease and urinary tract problem. Present study is undertaken to report the various pharmacological activities of various asava and arista preparations such as hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, CNS depressant, cardio-protective and antidiabetic.

This research aims at validating scientifically, the claim on use of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit rind as herbal medicine in treating diarrhoea in Northern Nigeria. Qualitative phytochemical screening was evaluated for presence of chemical constituents in methanol extract of Citrullus lanatus fruit rind (MECL). MECL was evaluated for oral acute toxicity in Swiss albino mice and established to be safe up to the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg. Effect(s) of extract was evaluated on models of experimentally induced diarrhoea in mice. Flavonoids, s teroids, alkaloids, saponins and triterpenes were present. Mice were grouped into five comprising of five animals each for all models of experimentally-induced diarrhoea; pre-treated group I (negative control) received orally, deionised water (10ml/kg), groups II, III and IV were administered 125, 250 and 500 (mg/kg) of MECL respectively. Group V (positive control) received loperamide (3 mg/kg) for castor oil-induced diarrhoea and fluid accumulation tests, while for charcoal meal test; group V received atropine sulphate (0.1 mg/kg) as positive. A significant (p≤ 0.01 and p≤ 0.001) non-dose dependent effect was elicited by extract, delaying onset of diarrhoea and reducing severity of diarrhoea respectively on castor oil-induced diarrhoea. MECL delayed propuls ive movement of charcoal along intestine, significantly (p≤ 0.05) decreasing volume (ml) of intestinal content compared to negative control of deionised water. Conclusively, MECL elicited antidiarrhoeal activity prolonging onset of diarrhoea, reducing severity of wet faeces, delaying movement of charcoal and decreasing volume of intestinal content, confirming the claim by herbal practitioners on its use in treating diarrhoea in Northern Nigeria. Keywords: Citrullus lanatus ; Diarrhoea; Flavonoids; Intestinal motility