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Effect of methanol, n-hexane and aqueous extract of Irvingia gabonensis leaf on castor oil-induced diarrhoea in albino rats


Bright Chukwuebuka Unaeze
Ruben Udeozor Nwobu
Cajetan Elochukwu Ilo
Ebele Chinwe Ejike

Abstract

Bush mango leaf (Irvingia gabonensis) is commonly used locally to treat diarrhoea. The present study evaluated the anti-diarrhoea effect of this plant extract on albino rats induced with castor oil. Fresh tender leaf of this plant was collected, air-dried, powdered and percolated in n-hexane, methanol and aqueous solvents. Diarrhoea was induced with castor oil on albino rats using standard procedures. The extract (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) in a dose dependent manner, significantly protected the rat against diarrhoea induced experimentally with castor oil in terms of nature and number of stool droppings within 3 hrs of administration of extract, there was no significant difference when compared with the control drug (Loperamide) (P > 0.05). The study justifies the ethno pharmacological uses of this medicinal plant for treatment of diarrhoeal disease.

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Keywords: Diarrhoea, castor oil, Irvingia gabonensis


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1997-342X
print ISSN: 1991-8631