Purgative/laxative actions of Globularia alypum aqueous extract on gastrointestinal‐physiological function and against loperamide‐induced constipation coupled to oxidative stress and inflammation in rats

Abstract

Background Chronic constipation is a gastrointestinal functional disorder which affects patient quality of life. Therefore, many studies were oriented to search herbal laxative agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of Globularia alypum L. leaves aqueous extract (GAAE) against loperamide (LOP)‐produced constipation. Methods Animals were given LOP (3 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) and GAAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) or yohimbine (2 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.), simultaneously, for 1 week. Gastric‐emptying test and intestinal transit were determined. Colon histology was examined, and oxidative status was evaluated using biochemical‐colorimetric methods. Key Results GAAE ameliorates significantly gastric emptying (64% to 76.5%) and intestinal transit (66.65% to 84.73%). LOP negatively influenced defecation parameters and generated a stress situation. GAAE administration in contrast ameliorated those parameters and re‐established oxidative balance. Conclusion GAAE showed a modest action against oxidative stress and decreased LOP effect and thereby can be considered a pharmacological agent in constipation.

Based on Network Pharmacology and Gut Microbiota Analysis to Investigate the Mechanism of the Laxative Effect of Pterostilbene on Loperamide-Induced Slow Transit Constipation in Mice

“…Therefore, reducing oxidative stress-induced ICCs apoptosis may be a therapeutic target for STC. MDA is a biomarker of oxidative stress, and GSH-Px is an important reactive oxygen species scavenging enzyme that maintains redox balance in the body ( Hajji et al, 2020 ). According to our results, in the STC group, the MDA content increased, while the GSH-Px activity decreased.…”

Paeoniflorin Improved Constipation in the Loperamide-Induced Rat Model via TGR5/TRPA1 Signaling-Mediated 5-Hydroxytryptamine Secretion

“…The studies suggested that loperamide could inhibit intestinal motility and intestinal fluid secretion through several mechanisms such as blocking acetylcholine release [ 18 ] and calcium channels [ 19 ], as well as inhibiting the function of calmodulin [ 20 ]. Thus, loperamide is extensively used to establish animal constipation models [ 21 – 23 ]. In the present study, we successfully established a constipation rat model using loperamide treatment, as evidenced by decreases in fecal pellets, fecal water content, and intestinal transit rate.…”

Preparations from Campomanesia reitziana reduce the gastrointestinal motility and castor oil‐induced diarrhea in a non‐opioid and non‐dopaminergic pathway in mice and display antimicrobial activity in vitro

“…One of the consequences of diarrhea is the softening of stools or an increase in the number of watery stools together with abdominal cramps 1‐40 . Castor oil has been a useful experimental tool in the search for antidiarrheal preparations 41 given that it is hydrolyzed in the duodenum by pancreatic enzymes, leading to the release of ricinoleic acid that promotes alteration of electrolytes permeability on the intestinal mucosa increasing peristaltic activity 41,42 .…”

“…Some plants have shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, 7‐9 and studies have shown that secondary metabolites may be responsible for normalizing intestinal transit 10,11 or treat intestinal disorders 12 . Given the therapeutic potential, plants such as lemon balm ( Lippia alba Mill) and guava ( Psidium guajava L., Myrtaceae) are used to treat digestive, hepatic, diarrheal, and dysenteric disorders 13 .…”

“…5 In addition, the treatment for chronic diarrhea remains uncertain and limited and studies to seek treatments based on natural products are important, considering that the adverse effects of the use of drugs for this intestinal disorder are well known. 6 Some plants have shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, [7][8][9] and studies have shown that secondary metabolites may be responsible for normalizing intestinal transit 10,11 or treat intestinal disorders. 12 Given the therapeutic potential, plants such as lemon balm (Lippia alba Mill) and guava (Psidium guajava L., Myrtaceae) are used to treat digestive, hepatic, diarrheal, and dysenteric disorders.…”