Ethanol Extract of Spondias mombin L. Leaves Exhibits Antidiarrhoeal Activity by Stimulation of Na+–K+ ATPase, Inhibition of Prostaglandins or Suppression of Nitric Oxide

Abstract

This study was to justify the acclaimed antidiarrhoeal activity of ethanol extract of Spondias mombin leaves (EESML) and to suggest probable mechanism of action.EESML was screened for its secondary metabolites. The diarrhoeal models involved randomized Wistar rats in 5 groups of 6 animals each. Animals in groups A&B (negative and positive control) were treated with normal saline and loperamide respectively while those in groups C, D and E received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of EESML respectively.EESML contained saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenolics and glycosides. EESML lengthened the onset time of diarrhoea and as well caused reductions in the number, fresh weight and total number of wet feaces; and increase in the inhibition of defecations. EESML increased the intestinal activity of Na+–K+ ATPase; the concentrations of intestinal Na+, K+, Cl-, total protein and glucose but decreased the concentration of nitric oxide of the diarrhoeal rats. The intestinal fluid concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl- were dose dependently increased by EESML. EESML also increased the length of the small intestine.EESML possess antidiarrhoeal activity owing to the secondary metabolites, ability to enhance Na+–K+ATPase activity and electrolytes as well as suppression of nitric oxide.

Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Activities of the 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Maesa lanceolata Forssk (Myrsinaceae) Leaves in Mice

“…By modifying the intestinal mucosa’s permeability to electrolytes, ricinoleic acid, a component of castor oil, produces diarrhea by resulting in abnormal intestinal absorptive and secretory mechanisms. 45 , 46 Because castor oil replicates pathophysiologic processes and enables the observation of quantifiable changes in feces quantity, consistency, intestinal motility, and fluid buildup, its use as a diarrhea inducer in all models is therefore feasible.…”