Search

The antidiarrhoeal effects of the methanolic extract of Rhus javanica ripen fruits (MERJ) were investigated by employing four experimental models of diarrhoea in Swiss albino mice. MERJ treated mice, showed significant reduction in the faecal output and protected them from castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The extract also reduced the intestinal fluid secretion induced by MgSO4 and gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration in the albino 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.

The antidiarrhoeal activity of six Egyptian medicinal plant extracts (200 and 400 mg kg(-1)) and their effect on motility of isolated rabbit's duodenum was investigated. Phytochemical screening of the plant extracts for their active constituents was also carried out by TLC. Oral administration of methanol extract from Conyza dioscoridis (CD) or Alhagi maurorum (AM) in a 200 mg kg(-1) dose exhibits a significant antidiarrhoeal effect against castor oil-induced diarrhoea, while Mentha microphylla (MM), Convolvulus arvensis (CA), Conyza linifolia (CL) produced no significant effect. In a dose of 400 mg kg(-1), Mentha microphylla, Conyza dioscoridis, Alhagi maurorum, Zygophyllum album (ZA), and Conyza linifolia produced a significant (P0.01) effect, while Convolvulus arvensis produced no antidiarrhoeal effect in rats. Methanol extract of Mentha microphylla, Conyza dioscoridis, Zygophyllum album, and Convolvulus arvensis induced a dose-dependent (0.4-2.8 mg ml(-1)) relaxation of rabbit's duodenal smooth muscle. Alhagi maurorum and Conyza linifolia increased the contractile force in concentrations between 0.4 and 1.6 mg ml(-1). Higher concentrations (3.2 mg ml(-1)) caused a rapid depressant effect. The depressant effect induced by Alhagi maurorum (in a higher dose) and Zygophyllum album appeared to be due to calcium channel blocking effect, since CaCl(2) could not restore the contractile response of the tissue impregnated in calcium free-medium. However, a ganglionic blocking effect appeared to be a possible mechanism of action of Mentha microphylla and Conyza dioscoridis since a stimulant dose of nicotine could not restore the contractile response of the tissue. The effect of Convolvulus arvensis and Conyza linifolia was not through any of the common mediators. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, unsaturated sterols/triterpenes, carbohydrates, lactones and proteins/amino acids as major constituents.

Background: Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. The advent of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) including home treatment of diarrhoea has affected the incidence of dehydration. Objective: To assess the impact of oral rehydration therapy on childhood diarrhoeal disease. Design: Cross sectional study. Methods: The duration of the diarrhoeal illness, the degree of dehydration, treatment given at home and the outcome were studied in children seen at the Diarrhoea Training Unit (DTU) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital during the periods July 1993 to June 1994 and July 1997 to June 1998. Results: Eight hundred and ninety one patients presented in the DTU over the one-year period in 1993/94 compared to 109 patients over the same period in 1997/98. There was a significantly higher mean duration of diarrhoea before presentation in the 1993/94 group (58.3 ± 13 hours) compared to the 1997/98 group (25.7 ± 6.1 hours) (t = 2.12, p < 0.025). Severe dehydration was seen in 11 percent of the cases in the 1993/94 group compared to five percent in the 1997/98 group (χ2 = 9.42, P < 0.01). Seventy-six percent of the patients in the 1993/94 group and sixty-six percent in the 1997/98 group received various antidiarrhoeal drugs before presentation. Conclusion: The application of oral rehydration therapy resulted in the reduction of cases of severe dehydration seen in children with diarrhoea in Ilorin. The parents presented earlier in the 1997/98 than in the 1993/944 group but the use of antidiarrhoeal drugs was still common. There is therefore, a need for further training of health workers and mothers on the home management of diarrhoea. The use of drugs that are not indicated in the management of diarrhoea should be discouraged, while ORT use should be strengthened. Key words: Diarrhoea, Dehydration, Oral rehydration therapy, Anti-diarrhoeal drugs. Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics 2003;30:23-26.

The methanolic extract leaves of Cleome gynandra (Family Capparidaceae) was selected to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity against castor oil and magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea in wistar albino rats. The present study was performed at three different doses of 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg methanolic extract of plant. The Methanolic plant extracts shows more effective antidiarrhoeal activity against castor-oil induced diarrhea compared to magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea in a dose dependent manner. From the results we conclude that methanolic leaf extracts of Cleome gynandra had reported antidiarrhoeal activity similar to standard drug loperamaide at dose of 3 mg/kg.

Free radicals which induces the oxidative stress, it induces the cellular damages in macromolecules such as protein, DNA and lipids. The uncontrolled production of free radicals which causes the various diseases such as rheumatoid arthiritis, cirrhosis, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, aging etc. Antioxidants have been reported to prevent the oxidative damages through radical scavenging and chelating metal ions. Some synthetic drugs are available but it causes the various side effects in human body. Some natural products have antioxidative materials in their extracts and it prevents the oxidative damages. Psidium guajava is one of the important plant in the Myrtaceae family. It reported that the extracts have a various activities like antibacterial, antimalarial, antidiarrhoeal, antihyperglycemic etc. The aim of this review to compile the data of the antioxidant activity of P. guajava extract in a recent years.

The Ayurvedic literature during the medieval period suggests the use of Musta (Cyperus rotundus), a common weed, as a pratinidhi dravya (substitute) for Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), an endangered species. Contemporary Ayurvedic practice also uses Cryptocoryne spiralis, (known as Naattu Atividayam in South India) and Nagaramusta (Cyperus scariosus) as substitutes for Ativisha and Musta, respectively. This article reviews published literature on the pharmacology of the above four species. Both A. heterophyllum and C. rotundus are reported to possess antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal properties, while antiinflammatory and antibacterial activities are attributed to C. scariosus. No reports exist on the bioactivity of Cryptocoryne spiralis. It is interesting to note that other than the veerya which is different, the biological properties of Ativisha and Musta are similar according to Ayurvedic classification of dravyaguna. This is also supported by modern pharmacological studies, which show that, both A. heterophyllum and C. rotundus have antidiarrheal, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, antihyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic activities. However, the similarities between the discussed species cannot be attributed to their phytochemical composition or taxonomical classification as these are quite distinct. The dravyaguna method of classifying materials, which we are calling as “pharmaco-taxonomy”, offers a unique way of classifying those plant materials which lack similarity at the botanical or chemical level, but are similar at the level of biological functions.

Ficus racemosa is an important medicinal plant, found in India, Australia, and Southeast Asia. It is popularly known as 'gular.' It reduces blood glucose concentration due to the presence of β-sitosterol. Many active constituents that have been isolated from various parts of this plant possess useful pharmacological activities. The literature survey proposed that it has multiple pharmacological actions that include antidiabetic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antifungal, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, antifilarial, and hepatoprotection. This review article elaborately describes the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of this plant. We also provide useful structures of the secondary metabolites along with their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Some clinical trial data have also been provided in this review. This review would assist researchers to gather scientific information in future.

Aims: Tempe is a traditional fungal fermented food made from soaked and cooked soya beans. It has been associated with antidiarrhoeal characteristics. This study investigated potential inhibitory effects of tempe on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. Methods and Results: Soya beans were soaked, cooked and subsequently fermented using several Rhizopus spp. Water-soluble filter-sterile extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit growth of E. coli and several indicator microorganisms and to inhibit adhesion of ETEC K88. Antimicrobial activity was found against Bacillus stearothermophilus only. ETEC K88-induced haemagglutination of hamster red blood cells was strongly inhibited by a number of tempe extracts and hardly by the cooked soya bean extract. Furthermore, several tempe extracts were able to inhibit adhesion of ETEC K88 to piglet small intestinal brush-border membranes. Conclusions: Tempe appeared to interfere with ETEC K88 adhesion rather than showing growth inhibitory properties. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results indicate that tempe could exert an antagonistic effect against ETEC through inhibition of adhesion and might therefore have a protective effect against ETEC K88 infection in pigs. Hence, tempe could have potential to use as a feed supplement in the diet of weaned piglets.

Background and aims: Sigma ligands display antisecretory activity against various secretagogues, suggesting antidiarrhoeal properties. In this study, we evaluated: (i) the antidiarrhoeal effect of JO 2871, a high affinity sigma ligand, in three models of toxigenic diarrhoea in mice; and (ii) the site and mechanism of action of this compound. Methods: Faeces were collected after toxin or vehicle administration in male DBA2 or NMRI mice. Diarrhoea was determined by cumulative stool weight (mg) over a 120 minute period. Diarrhoea was induced by intravenous administration of Salmonella enteriditis lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or oral administration of Escherichia coli heat stable (E coli-sta) or Clostridium difficile toxins. Two sigma ligands, igmesine and JO 2871, were administered either orally or intravenously, 60 and 30 minutes before the toxins, respectively. JO 2871 was also given orally 30 minutes after E coli-sta. In addition, JO 2871 was administered intracerebroventricularly five minutes before LPS and E coli-sta. BMY 14802 (1000 μg/kg orally), a sigma receptor antagonist, or cyclosomatostatin (CSS 1 μg/kg intravenously), a somatostatin antagonist, were given five minutes prior to JO 2871 in LPS, E coli-sta, and C difficile toxin treated mice. Gastric emptying and intestinal transit were evaluated after oral JO 2871 and BMY 14802 and intravenous CSS. Results: Stool weight measured 120 minutes after administration of the toxins was significantly increased. Oral JO 2871 and igmesine dose dependently inhibited toxigenic diarrhoea in all models. ED50 values obtained using JO 2871 (1–20 μg/kg) were more than 40 times lower than those obtained with igmesine. Oral JO 2871 given after E coli-sta also inhibited diarrhoea in a dose dependent manner (ED50 50 μg/kg). Both sigma ligands were active by the intravenous route on LPS and E coli-sta induced stool weight increases. JO 2871 administered intracerebroventricularly failed to block this effect at any dose tested. Both BMY 14802 and CSS reversed the antidiarrhoeal effect of oral JO 2871. JO 2871, BMY 14802, and CSS did not affect transit parameters. Conclusions: JO 2871 exerts a potent oral antidiarrhoeal effect, acting peripherally through sigma sites and somatostatin release.

The methanolic fraction of the extract of unripe fruits of Psidium guajava was found to possess significant antidiarrhoeal activity. The fraction decreased gastric motility in an experimental animal model and inhibited acetylcholine release from isolated guinea-pig ileum. On microbial screening the fraction was found to inhibit significantly the growth of different strains of Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae.

The influence of an antidiarrhoeal mixture, Kaopectate®, on the bioavailability of tetracycline was studied in healthy human subjects. Employing a cross-over design, four subjects in the fasting state were given 250 mg tetracycline HCl as a solution with and without 30 ml Kaopectate®. A drastic and significant decrease (about 50%) in drug absorption resulted. When the antidiarrhoeal mixture was coadministered with a 250 mg capsule, employing a latin-square design with seven subjects, a similar decrease in absorption was observed. The administration of Kaopectate® 2 h before and 2 h after the drug resulted in about 20% decrease in drug absorption.

Background: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of ethanolic extract (EtAI), and aqueous extract (AqAI) of Aristolochia indica Linn roots on castor oil-induced diarrhoea and study on small intestinal transit. Phytochemical analysis of extracts was performed as per standard procedure. Materials and Methods: The oral toxicity study using Swiss albino mice was performed in accordance with OECD guidelines. The EtAI and AqAI extracts of Aristolochia indica Linn were studied for antidiarrhoeal property using castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model and charcoal-induced gastrointestinal motility test in Swiss albino mice. Results: Among the tested doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, the extracts reduced the frequency and severity of diarrhoea in test animals throughout the study period. At the same doses, the extract delayed the intestinal transit of charcoal meal in test animals as compared to the control and the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Experimental findings showed that ethanol extract of Aristolochia indica Linn root possess significant antidiarrheal activity and may be a potent source of anti-diarrhoeal drug in future.

The antidiarrhoeal effects of the aqueous root extract of Terminalia avicennoides were evaluated in rodents. Studies were carried out on the isolated rabbit jejunum, gastrointestinal motility in vivo and on castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous pendular movement of the isolated rabbit jejunum and attenuated acetylcholine induced contractions. The extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) also caused a dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transit and markedly protected mice against castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The intraperitoneal LD50 of the extract was found to be 871.4–917.4 mg/kg in mice (95% confidence). A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of T. avicennoides roots revealed the presence of tannins, saponins and flavonoids. The results obtained showed that the water extract of T. avicennoides roots may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhoea and this may be the basis for its use traditionally for gastrointestinal disorders. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The red sap obtained by slashing the bark of Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), also known as dragon's blood, was screened for a possible antidiarrhoeal activity on castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats, cholera toxin-induced intestinal secretion in mice and on small intestinal transit in mice. Dragon's blood at an oral dose of 600 mg/kg caused in marked inhibition of the diarrhoeal response following castor oil administration as well as the intestinal fluid accumulation promoted by cholera toxin. At a similar dose the red sap significantly inhibited the small intestinal transit which was, however, found to be independent of the opioid mechanism. These results suggest a potential usefulness of the red sap from Croton urucurana Baill. in the control of secretory diarrhoea associated pathologies.

The effects of the methanolic extract of Cassia nigricans leaves were investigated on experimentally-induced diarrhoea and ulceration in rat. The extract dose-dependently reduced both the small intestinal propulsive movement (P

The methanol extracts of Roureopsis obliquifoliolata and Epinetrum villosum root significantly reduced castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. This effect supports the use of these plants in Congolese folk medicine as antidiarrhoeal remedies.

The effect of methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens root on experimentally-induced diarrhoea and ulceration was investigated in rats. The extract (500-1500 mg/kg) dose-dependently, reduced significantly the intestinal propulsive movement, castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Yohimbine an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor blocker attenuated the antidiarrhoeal effect of the extract. The extract also reduced the ulcer indices induced by indomethacin and ethanol in a dose-related manner. The results indicate that its antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic effects might in part be due to its alpha(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation and its active constituents respectively.

Twenty-four crude extracts derived from six medicinal plants highly valued as antidiarrhoeal agents in Congolese folk medicine were screened for antimicrobial activity against several enteric pathogens. The results of this study indicated that the methanolic and aqueous extracts derived from three of them (Roureopsis obliquifoliolata, Epinetrum villosum and Cissus rubiginosa) possessed prominent antibacterial activity, therefore supporting the ethnomedical uses of these species. In addition, phytochemical analysis of these medicinal plants showed that 1/6 plant sample contained alkaloids, 6/6 triterpenes and/or sterols, 4/6 flavonoids, 3/6 tannins and 5/6 saponins. Anthraquinones were not detected in any of these plants.

Three major extracts from some traditional preparations, based on medicinal plants, used as antidiarrhoeal agents were investigated for their putative antiamoebic and spasmolytic activities in vitro. Results indicated that both biological activities are concentrated in the polyphenolic fraction, and not in the saponin or alkaloid containing fractions. The most active polyphenolic extracts were those from Euphorbia hirta whole plant, leaves of Alchornea cordifolia, Crossopteryx febrifuga, Nauclea latifolia, Psidium guajava, Tithonia diversifolia, stem bark of Harungana madagascariensis, Mangifera indica, Maprounea africana and Psidium guajava, inhibiting Entamoeba histolytica growth with MAC < 10 micrograms/ml. The same extracts, at a concentration of 80 micrograms/ml in an organ bath, also exhibited more than 70% inhibition of acetylcholine and/or KCl solution-induced contractions on isolated guinea-pig ileum.

Use of Jatropha curcus L. roots in the treatment of diarrhoea is a common ethnobotanical practice in Konkan, a part of the Western coastal area of India. Roots of this species were undertaken for pharmacognostic studies and evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity in albino mice. Successive solvent extraction was carried out using petroleum ether (60-80 degrees C) and methanol. The methanol extract showed activity against castor oil induced diarrhoea and intraluminal accumulation of fluid. It also reduced gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration in albino mice. The results indicate that action of J. curcus root methanol extract could be through a combination of inhibition of elevated prostaglandin biosynthesis and reduced propulsive movement of the small intestine.

This study was designed to examine the relationship between the antidiarrhoeal effects of Hange-Shashin-To (TJ-14) and its active components. Oral treatment with TJ-14 at 1000 mg/kg significantly inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Both the 50% methanol eluate fraction (fraction III) and the methanol eluate fraction (fraction IV) showed antidiarrhoeal effects at oral doses of 68 mg/kg and 63 mg/kg, respectively, corresponding to 1000 mg/kg of TJ-14. TJ-14 (1000 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant increase in blood corticosterone levels. Increased blood corticosterone was noted after the oral administration of 63 mg/kg of fraction IV. The inhibitory activity of TJ-14 on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was also observed in fractions III and IV. The main component of fraction III was Scutellariae Radix-derived baicalin. Fraction IV contained Glycyrrhizae Radix-derived glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritin, Coptidis Rhizoma-derived berberine, coptisine and palmitine. Ginseng Radix-derived saponins were also present in fraction IV. These compounds inhibited castor-oil induced diarrhoea at oral doses of 10 or 30 mg/kg. Thus, the present results indicate that Scutellariae Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ginseng radix and Coptidis Rhizoma-derived components are involved in the antidiarrhoeal action of TJ-14.

An experiemental study was conducted in day old 150 VenCobb chicks to evaluate efficacy of polyherbal formulation in induced bacterial enteritis with Salmonella enteritidis. Birds were randomly divided into three groups: negative control, infected and untreated control & prophylactically treated group with AV/ADC/16 (14th-28th days). Salmonella infection was induced on day 21st. A significant decrease in overall growth, productivity, feed conversion and mortality was evident in untreated infected group in addition to severity of clinical signs. However, prophylactic administration of herbal formulation reduced mortality and clinical symptoms were mild to negligible. No negative effect on growth & performance was observed in treated group III. [Veterinary World 2008; 1(11.000): 333-334]

Background: Cuminum cyminum Linn. (Umbelliferae), commonly known as Jeera. It is native from mediterranean region, but today widely cultivated in Asian countries. It has been reported to possess various medicinal properties and an important food ingredient. The seed of the plant are claimed for treatment of diarrhoea by various traditional practitioners. Objectives: Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate aq. extract of C. cyminum seeds (ACCS) against diarrhoea on albino rats. Materials and Methods : The animals were divided into five groups and the control group was applied with 2% acacia suspension, the standard group with loperamide (3 mg/kg) or atropine sulphate (5mg/kg) and three test groups administered orally with 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg of ACCS. The antidiarrhoeal effect was investigated by castor oil induce diarrhoea model, prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) induced enteropooling model, intestinal transit by charcoal meal test. Results: The ACCS showed significant (P < 0.001) inhibition in frequency of diarrhoea, defecation time delaying, secretion of intestinal fluid as well as intestinal propulsion as compared to control and the graded doses of tested extract followed dose dependent protection against diarrhoea. Conclusions: The study reveals that the ACCS is a potent antidiarrhoeal drug which supports the traditional claim.

The study was designed to verify the gastroprotective and antidiarrhoeal effects of ternatin, a tetramethoxyflavone isolated from Egletes viscosa Less. The gastroprotective function of ternatin was evaluated in rats against gastric mucosal damage induced by hypothermic restraint stress, absolute ethanol, and indomethacin, whereas the antidiarrhoeal activity was investigated by studying its influence on gastrointestinal transit as measured by a charcoal marker and on castor oil-induced accumulation of intestinal fluid in mice and also on contractile responses evoked by acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, and barium chloride in isolated guinea-pig ileum. The results demonstrate that pretreatment of animals with the plant flavonoid (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) produces a significant inhibition of gastric lesions induced by ethanol but not those induced by restraint stress or indomethacin and suggest a probable involvement of a prostaglandins-independent mechanism of gastroprotection. At similar doses, both the intestinal transit as well as the accumulation of intestinal fluids induced by castor oil in mice were significantly inhibited by ternatin. Furthermore, the flavonoid antagonised the contractile responses evoked by different agonists on guinea-pig ileum in vitro and its inhibitory potential for the drugs are in the order of acetylcholine > histamine > serotonin > barium chloride. Taken together, these results point out a possible antidiarrhoeal effect of ternatin since inhibition of intestinal motility and secretion can greatly control clinical diarrhoea.

Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecythidaceae) is a significant medicinal plant known as kumbhi in Ayurveda. Though, most of the plant parts are used in traditional systems of medicine, bark and leaves constitute the important medicinal parts. The present review gives an account of the updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The review reveals that numerous phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant possessing hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, analgesic, antidiarrhoeal and various other important activities. Leaves are used in filaria, colic, loose motions and ulcers. Bark is used as an antipyretic, abortifacient, antipruritic and in smallpox, urinary discharges and rheumatic pain. Since last few decades, extensive exploration has been done to establish the biological activities and pharmacology of the extracts and plentiful chemical constituents including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and many other have been isolated.

Background Caesalpinia bonducella is an important medicinal plant for its traditional uses against different types of diseases. Therefore, the present study investigated the antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, and cytotoxic activities of the methanol extract and ethyl acetate, chloroform, and petroleum ether (pet. ether) fractions of C. bonducella leaves. Methods The antibacterial potentialities of methanol extract and its fractions of C. bonducella leaves were investigated by the disc diffusion method against four gram-positive and five gram-negative bacteria at 300, 500 and 800 μg/disc. Kanamycin (30 μg/disc) was used as the standard drug. Antidiarrhoeal activities of leaf extracts were evaluated at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) and compared with loperamide in a castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model in rat. The fractions were subjected to a brine shrimp lethality test to evaluate their cytotoxicity. Results The methanol extract and other three fractions exhibited better activities at higher concentrations. Amongst, the chloroform fraction showed maximum activity at all three concentrations (300, 500, and 800 μg/disc) against almost all bacteria. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa showed better sensitivities to all extracts at all three concentrations excluding the pet. ether fraction. Bacillus megaterium and Klebsiella spp. were two bacteria amongst nine that showed lowest sensitivity to the extracts. Maximum zone of inhibition (25-mm) was obtained by the methanol extract at an 800 μg/disc concentration against S. aureus. In the antidiarrhoeal test, all fractions exhibited dose-dependent actions, which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Ethyl acetate fraction exerted maximum inhibition (51.11%) against defecation, whereas 57.75% inhibition was obtained for loperamide. Moderate cytotoxicity was found for the methanol extract and its three fractions compared with the standard drug vincristine sulfate in the brine shrimp bioassay. In the present study, the LC50 values of the methanol crude extract and ethyl acetate, chloroform, pet. ether fractions and vincristine sulfate were 223.87, 281.84, 112.2, 199.53, and 12.59 μg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum cytotoxicity, whereas minimum cytotoxicity was observed for the chloroform fraction. Conclusion The present study revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction of the C. bonducella leaves has significant antidiarrhoeal properties. The methanol extract and other three fractions of the C. bonducella leaves possess potent antibacterial activities along with moderate cytotoxicities that may lead to new drug development.

Proper diarrhoea treatment has received greater attention during the last 10 years. However, the unjustified use of medicines to treat simple episodes of acute diarrhoea continues to divert attention and available resources away from appropriate treatment. A study to identify the factors determining prescribing practices for diarrhoea treatment was carried out in a peri-urban part of Lima, Peru in 1991. Physicians were interviewed, and then their practice was assessed by visits of confederates with healthy children described as ill, by interviews with mothers of sick children leaving the clinic, or by both of these methods. Physicians' reported practices in treating diarrhoea cases were compared to their actual practices. Although physicians' knowledge of drug management seemed to influence the low frequency of prescription of antidiarrhoeal drugs, it did not have the same influence on prescription of antimicrobials. Our results suggest that the diagnostic process and consequently the treatment decision do not follow a scientific rationale for this illness. The physicians' prescribing practices seemed to be more related to agreement with social expectations and the caretakers' perception of the physicians' role than they were to the standard biomedical rules of diarrhoea management.

Opioids have been used for centuries as antidiarrhoeal drugs. In recent years, their mechanism and sites of action in exerting their antidiarrhoeal effect have been studied intensely. Attempts have been made to propose their general mode of action. Whilst there are numerous similarities in their general effects on motility, fluid secretion, and neuroeffector transmission, the differences between species, in some cases, can be remarkable. We highlight and contrast the similarities and differences in the commonly examined species and compare them to humans. Insights into mechanisms of opioid antidiarrhoeal action now also provide some new perspectives of opioid action in the intestine.

The antidiarrhoeal activity of ethanolic extract of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp was evaluated in rats. Studies were investigated on castor oil –induced diarrhoea, castor oil induced fluid accumulation and electrolyte secretion. Adansonia digitata was orally administered to rats at dose rate of 250 and 500mg/kg and Loperamide was used at 3mg/kg as reference antidiarrhoeal drug.The extract produced a dose dependant and significantly protected rats against castor oil induced diarrhoea. The frequency of defecation as well as weight of the feces was significantly (p>0.05) reduced.A preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of A. digitata revealed the presence of, flavonoids, saponins, tannins triterpenes, alkaloids and glycosides.

Quercitrin (3-rhamnosylquercetin) is a bioflavonoid contained in several crude drugs traditionally used for its antidiarrhoeal activity. The antidiarrhoeic effect of quercitrin on experimental chronic diarrhoea in rats was studied. Adult rats were fed for 14 days with a synthetic diet in which all soluble carbohydrates were substituted by lactose, resulting in chronic diarrhoea with body weight loss, colonic hyperplasia, reduced average cell size, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, increased mucus production and cytopathological alterations of the enterocyte. The rest of the animals were allowed to recover from chronic diarrhoea for 3 or 7 days, by feeding them with a standard diet, and half of them were also given quercitrin orally (50 mg/kg day). Diarrhoea ceased 48 h after lactose withdrawal, and body weight recovery was apparent after 3 days. Nevertheless, most of the alterations of the colonic mucosa persisted at that time. Quercitrin-treated rats had less diarrhoeal output and did not show mucosal hyperplasia after three days of treatment. All animals had greatly recovered by the seventh day, but histological alterations were still present, although to a lesser extent in quercitrin-treated rats. Quercitrin and related flavonoids may play a role in intestinal repair following chronic mucosal injury.

The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Erythrina indica significantly modified normal defecation frequency as well as inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhoea in Wistar rats. In addition, the extract showed a significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test. Phytochemical tests revealed that the main constituents were alkaloids. These findings suggested that the ethanolic extract of leaves of Erythrina indica elicits potent antidiarrhoeal effects and thus substantiated its traditional claim as an antidiarrhoeal agent.

Background The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases has generated renewed interest in recent times, as herbal preparations are increasingly being used in both human and animal healthcare systems. Diarrhoea is one of the common clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorders caused by both infectious and non-infectious agents and an important livestock debilitating condition. Plateau State is rich in savannah and forest vegetations and home to a vast collection of plants upheld in folklore as having useful medicinal applications. There is however scarcity of documented information on the medicinal plants used in the treatment of animal diarrhoea in the state, thus the need for this survey. Ten (10) out of 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), spread across the three senatorial zones were selected. Farmers were interviewed using well structured, open-ended questionnaire and guided dialogue techniques between October and December 2010. Medicinal plants reported to be effective in diarrhoea management were collected using the guided field-walk method for identification and authentication. Results A total of 248 questionnaires were completed, out of which 207 respondents (83.47%) acknowledged the use of herbs in diarrhoea management, while 41 (16.53%) do not use herbs or apply other traditional methods in the treatment of diarrhoea in their animals. Medicinal plants cited as beneficial in the treatment of animal diarrhoea numbered 132, from which 57(43.18%) were scientifically identified and classified into 25 plant families with the families Fabaceae (21%) and Combretaceae (14.04%) having the highest occurrence. The plant parts mostly used in antidiarrhoeal herbal preparations are the leaves (43.86%) followed by the stem bark (29.82%). The herbal preparations are usually administered orally. Conclusion Rural communities in Plateau State are a rich source of information on medicinal plants as revealed in this survey. There is need to scientifically ascertain the authenticity of the claimed antidiarrhoeal properties of these plants and perhaps develop more readily available alternatives in the treatment of diarrhoea.

AIM: Cistus ladaniferus L. (Cistaceae) is a plant which is traditionally used for the treatment of intestinal pain and diarrhea in Morocco. The aim of this study is to evaluate antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous extract of this plant. METHODS: Aqueous extract of aerial part (stems and leaves) of Cistus ladaniferus was decocted and evaporated to give a crude residue (yield: 18%). It is bioassayed for their antidiarrhoeal effect by the two standard methods of bioassay of the antidiarrheal activity: Castor oil-induced diarrhoea and Gastrointestinal transit test. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of Cistus ladaniferus L. given orally at the dose 300 and 600 mg/kg, showed significant antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil induced diarrhoea and reduced the frequency of diarrhoeal episodes in rat. At 600 mg/kg it decreased the propulsion of charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract in mice by 30.71%. COCLUSION: These results suggested that the extract may contain biologically active components that may be useful against diarrhoea, thereby justifying its use in ethnomedical practice.

The precise objective of the current study was to document the ethnobotanical knowledge on antidiarrhoeal plant-use by lay people in a rural community in Eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Data was collected from 60 randomly selected indigenous households in three communities using semi-structured questionnaires. In total, 34 species of plants belonging to 31 genera in 16 families were reported to be used in the preparation of the herbal remedies for the treatment of diarrheoa in the study area. Eleven species of plants, namely, Averrhoa carambola, Citrus limon, C. medica, Clerodendron venosum, Manihot esculenta, Mikania scandens, Oxalis triangularis, O. corniculata, Piper betle, Sonchus wightianus and Swertia hookerii, were documented for the first time for their use in the treatment of diarrheoa. Herbal remedies were commonly used by people for the treatment of diarrheoa because of its cost-effectivity. The result of this study provides the basis for further pharmacological studies on the herbal remedies used. The wide variety of plants that are used to treat diarrhoea supports the traditional value that medicinal plants have in the primary health care system of the rural people in eastern Himalayan zone of Arunachal Pradesh.

The opiate antidiarrhoeal drugs loperamide (0·6 mg kg−1, i.p.) or difenoxin (0·77 mg kg−1, s.c), were administered in an anaesthetic mixture (pentobarbitone 60 mg kg−1) to rats. A length of jejunum (approx. 30 cm) was cannulated, washed and then perfused with iso-osmotic saline for 20 min. The perfusion commenced 50 min after drug administration and continued for 20 min. The perfusates were collected for analysis of fluid transport rates and antidiarrhoeal drug content. These doses of the antidiarrhoeals caused marked inhibition of intestinal fluid secretion induced by intra-arterial infusion of vasoactive intestinal peptide. However, neither of the antidiarrhoeal drugs were detected in the intestinal perfusates (< 0·5 ng by HPLC). The results indicate that loperamide and difenoxin have a different pharmacokinetic profile compared with that previously found for morphine under the same conditions.

The antidiarrhoeic activity of the Euphorbia hirta whole plant was investigated. The lyophilized decoction demonstrated antidiarrhoeic activity in experimental models of diarrhoea induced by castor oil, arachidonic acid, and prostaglandin E2. It showed no activity when magnesium sulphate was used to provoke the diarrhoea. The lyophilized decoction delayed small intestinal transit when this was accelerated by castor oil but not in normal conditions. A flavonoid, quercitrin, with antidiarrhoeic activity was isolated from this crude drug.

The antidiarrhoeal properties of acetorphan, an inhibitor of enkephalinase (EC 3.4.24.11) that prevents endogenous enkephalin degradation, and loperamide, a mu opiate receptor agonist, were compared. The double-blind study included 69 patients with acute diarrhoea of presumed infectious origin, allocated at random to two parallel groups. Acetorphan and loperamide were both rapidly and similarly effective, diarrhoea resolving in both cases in nearly 2 days. With acetorphan, however, abdominal distension vanished significantly more rapidly, and reactive constipation was less frequent (8% versus 31% with loperamide). These differences can be accounted for by the distinct mechanisms of antidiarrhoeal activity of the two drugs--that is, primary antitransit effect for loperamide and antisecretory activity for acetorphan.

1. Castor oil (2 ml orally) produced copious diarrhoea in rats 3 h after its administration. 2. Pretreatment (intraperitoneal, i.p.) of rats with the NO synthesis inhibitors NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1-25 mg kg-1) and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 2.5-100 mg kg-1) inhibited or prevented castor-oil-induced diarrhoea. L-Arginine (150-600 mg kg-1, i.p.) administered to rats pretreated with L-NAME 10 mg kg-1, drastically reduced the antidiarrhoeal activity of L-NAME in a dose-related manner. D-Arginine (900 mg kg-1) did not modify the protection by L-NAME. 3. Pretreatment (i.p.) of rats with L-NAME (2.5-25 mg kg-1) decreased the intestinal fluid accumulation and Na+ secretion induced by castor oil. L-Arginine (600 mg kg-1) but not D-arginine (900 mg kg-1) counteracted the inhibitory effect of L-NAME (10 mg kg-1). 4. L-NAME (10 and 25 mg kg-1) had no significant effect on the intestinal transit in normal rats or those given castor oil. 5. These results provide evidence that nitric oxide (NO) could play an important role in castor-oil-induced diarrhoea.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in AIDS patients with refractory idiopathic diarrhoea, and to assess the role of treatment with octreotide. PATIENTS Three AIDS patients were evaluated for severe watery diarrhoea of 2-6 months' duration, which was complicated by weight loss, weakness, and fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. They had not shown a significant response to several regimens of empirical antimicrobial chemotherapy, or symptomatic antidiarrhoeal treatment. METHODS A complete diagnostic examination, including repeated microbiological evaluation and radiological, ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histological examination, was performed. Plasma levels of VIP were determined by radioimmunoassay and compared with concentrations in a group of healthy subjects. RESULTS Since no clinically significant results were obtained from standard diagnostic evaluation and empirical therapeutical attempts, idiopathic refractory diarrhoea was diagnosed. Plasma concentrations of VIP were moderately elevated in all three subjects examined, with levels of 11.5, 17.5 and 9.5 pmol/l (values < 8.8 pmol/l in the control group). One patient received 50-100 micrograms octreotide three times daily subcutaneously for 6 months, resulting in complete resolution of diarrhoea and significant improvement in body weight and quality of life, together with a reduction in VIP concentration to within normal values. CONCLUSIONS Although the somatostatin analogue octreotide has been used successfully in the management of both infectious and non-infectious AIDS-related diarrhoea, gastrointestinal neuroendocrine function and circulating humoral mediators of diarrhoea have not hitherto been investigated extensively in HIV-infected subjects. Our data on the association of idiopathic secretory diarrhoea and elevated plasma VIP levels provide a possible pathophysiological rationale for identifying AIDS patients whose refractory diarrhoea may be more responsive to octreotide treatment.

Background Psidium guajava L., Myrtaceae, is used widely in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, stomachaches, and indigestion. However, the effect of the leaf extract of P. guajava on the pathogenesis of infectious diarrhoea has not been studied. The present study evaluates the effect of a hot aqueous extract (decoction) of dried leaves of P. guajava on parameters associated with pathogenicity of infectious diarrhoea. The aim was to understand its possible mechanism(s) of action in controlling infectious diarrhoea and compare it with quercetin, one of the most reported active constituents of P. guajava with antidiarrhoeal activity. Methods The crude decoction and quercetin were studied for their antibacterial activity and effect on virulence features of common diarrhoeal pathogens viz. colonization of epithelial cells and production and action of enterotoxins. Colonization as measured by adherence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and invasion of enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Shigella flexneri was assessed using HEp-2 cell line. The production of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) and cholera toxin (CT) and their binding to ganglioside monosialic acid (GM1) were studied by GM1-ELISA whereas the production and action of E. coli heat stable toxin (ST) was assessed by suckling mouse assay. Results The decoction of P. guajava showed antibacterial activity towards S. flexneri and Vibrio cholerae. It decreased production of both LT and CT and their binding to GM1. However, it had no effect on production and action of ST. The decoction also inhibited the adherence of EPEC and invasion by both EIEC and S. flexneri to HEp-2 cells. Quercetin, on the other hand, had no antibacterial activity at the concentrations used nor did it affect any of the enterotoxins. Although it did not affect adherence of EPEC, it inhibited the invasion of both EIEC and S. flexneri to HEp-2 cells. Conclusion Collectively, the results indicate that the decoction of P. guajava leaves is an effective antidiarrhoeal agent and that the entire spectrum of its antidiarrhoeal activity is not due to quercetin alone.

Mangifera indica, commonly used herb in ayurvedic medicine. Although review articles on this plant are already published, but this review article is presented to compile all the updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities, which were performed widely by different methods. Studies indicate mango possesses antidiabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, cardiotonic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory properties. Various effects like antibacterial, anti fungal, anthelmintic, anti parasitic, anti tumor, anti HIV, antibone resorption, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antidiarrhoeal, antiallergic, immunomodulation, hypolipidemic, anti microbial, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective have also been studied. These studies are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trials using mango for a variety of conditions should also be conducted.

The pulp of the Vitex mollis fruit is edible and traditionally used to treat diarrhoea. The antibacterial activity of this fruit is reported here for the first time. The fruit pulp was extracted with methanol (ME) and the extract was fractionated with solvents. ME and their fractions [hexanic (HF), chloroformic (CF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous (AqF)] were assayed against human pathogenic bacteria (microdilution test) and their phytochemicals determined (qualitative chemical determinations). The samples (i.e., ME, HE, CF, EAF and AqF) showed antibacterial activity; EAF was the most active, showing such activity against Shigella dysenteriae [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)=2 mg/ml]. Phenolics were mainly found in ME and EAF; compounds of this chemical family are well known for their antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial activities. The reported antibacterial activity and phenolics content of V. mollis fruit could be associated with its use in the treatment of diarrhoea. Key words: Antibacterial activity, diarrhoea, phytochemical analysis, Vitex mollis

A 22 year old insulin dependent diabetic with high volume, secretory chronic diarrhoea refractory to standard andiarrhoeal drugs was treated with the somatostatin analogue octreotide, 50 micrograms twice daily by subcutaneous injection. She improved markedly with a decrease in mean stool weight from 1170 g/24 h range 440-2900 g) to 440 g/24 h (range 180-800 g) (p < 0.05). Stool frequency also decreased from six (range two to 12) to one (range one to three) bowel movements per day (p < 0.01). Mouth to caecum transit time increased from 45 minutes to > 210 minutes, although total gut transit time was unchanged and remained rapid at nine hours. Thus octreotide can reduce stool volume and frequency in high volume diabetic diarrhoea when conventional antidiarrhoeal agents have failed. Its therapeutic benefit appeared to be predominantly related to a marked increase in mouth to caecum transit time.

Measurement of rates of propulsion in the small intestine in control and experimental groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were carried out as a means of assessing antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous extracts of the leaf of Psidium guajava (L.), using morphine as the standard drug of reference. Hyperpropulsion (diarrhoea) was induced by gavaging rats in a control group with Microlax, using phenol red mixed into it as a marker in the intestine, and the mean rate of the hyperpropulsion was determined. The normal rate of propulsion, defined as the percentage of the length of the ileum traversed by the front of the dye in 1 h after gavaging animals with a liquid paraffin-phenol red meal, was also determined in another control group. In experimental groups pretreated with enteral administration of either morphine or aqueous extracts, 1 h before the challenge with Microlax, the percentage inhibition to the hyperpropulsive rate (antidiarrhoeal activity) was calculated. Both morphine and the extracts produced a dose-response relationship in their antidiarrhoeal effects. A dose of 0.2 ml/kg fresh leaf extract produced 65% inhibition of propulsion. This dose is equiactive with 0.2 mg/kg of morphine sulphate. The antidiarrhoeal action of the extract may be due, in part, to the inhibition of the increased watery secretions that occur commonly in all acute diarrhoeal diseases and cholera.

Acetorphan is an orally active inhibitor of enkephalinase (EC 3.4.24.11) with antidiarrhoeal activity in rodents apparently through protection of endogenous enkephalins and a purely antisecretory mechanism. Its antidiarrhoeal activity in man was assessed in an experimental model of cathartic induced secretory diarrhoea as well as in acute diarrhoea of presumed infectious origin. In six healthy volunteers receiving castor oil and pretreated with acetorphan or placebo in a crossover controlled trial, the drug significantly decreased the number and weight of stools passed during 24 hours. About 200 outpatients with severe acute diarrhoea (more than five stools per day) were included in a randomised double blind study of acetorphan against placebo. The significant antidiarrhoeal activity of acetorphan was established using a variety of criteria: (i) the duration of both diarrhoea and treatment were diminished; (ii) no acetorphan treated patient withdrew from the study whereas five dropped out because of worsening in the placebo group; (iii) the frequency of symptoms associated with diarrhoea--for example, abdominal pain or distension, nausea and anorexia--remaining after two weeks was nearly halved; (iv) using visual analogue scales acetorphan treatment was found more effective than placebo by both investigators and patients. There was statistically no significant difference between acetorphan and placebo in respect of side effects, particularly constipation, which often accompanies the antidiarrhoeal activity of mu opioid receptor agonists this difference is attributable to the lack of antipropulsive activity of acetorphan in man. The efficacy and tolerance of acetorphan suggest that enkephalinase inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the symptomatic management of acute secretory diarrhoea without impairing intestinal transit.

Indigofera daleoides Benth. ex Harv. & Sond. (Fabaceae) is used by traditional healers in Limpopo Province for treatment of diarrhoea. The bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethylacetate extract from I. daleoides led to the isolation of two pure compounds which were identified as compound 1 (6,2-O-[3-nitropropanoyl-β-D-glucopyranose]) and compound 2 with a novel skeleton (6,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavan 5′-O-glucopyranoside). These compounds were isolated for the first time from I. daleoides. Isolated compounds were tested for antibacterial and cytotoxic activities in vitro using micro dilution method and sodium-2,3-bis-[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay, respectively. The results showed that compound 2 (flavonoid), isolated from I. daleoides, exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. typhy, V. cholera, E. coli and S. dysentery with MIC values ranging between 25–50 μg/ml. Compound 1 (nitrocompound) was found to be less active than compound 2 (flavonoid) against most of the bacteria tested. Staphylococcus aureus had higher susceptibility to compound 2 (flavonoid) as compared to the other bacteria tested. Compound 1 (nitrocompound) and 2 (flavonoid) isolated from I. daleoides had relatively high fifty per cent inhibitory concentration (IC50 values) (349.4 and 364.5 μg/ml, respectively) as compared to the crude extract (IC50 254 μg/ml), thus suggesting these compounds are less cytotoxic to Vero cells than the crude ethanol extract. The results of this study suggest possible antidiarrhoeal potential of these compounds, especially compound 2 (flavonoid) from I. daleoides which need to be further investigated. This is the first report on the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of purified compounds from I. daleoides.

Antipsychotic drugs of known antidiarrhoeal and anticalmodulin activity inhibited the cholera-toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation of proteins of Mr, 37000,40000 and 45000 (thought to be regulatory components of the adenylate cyclase complex) that was previously shown to occur in plasma membranes from rabbit intestinal epithelial cells [(1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1014, 289-297]. There was no obvious correlation between the different activities of the drugs. The drugs also inhibited adenylate cyclase activity, but in this case the inhibition correlated well with the known IC50 values of the drugs for anticalmodulin activity and with their antidiarrhoeal activities.