Polyphenol-rich extract of Digitaria exilis (Kippist) grain lowers gastrointestinal dysmotility and enhanced colonic peristalsis in rifaximin-induced constipated rat

Abstract

Digitaria exilis grains rich in polyphenol have been speculated among some traditional practitioners of Northern Nigeria to aid in treating constipation. Hence, this study aims at assessing the anti-constipation property of polyphenol-rich extract of Digitaria exilis grains (PREDEG) in rifaximin-induced constipated rat. Thirty (30) Wistar rats of both sexes (143.84 ± 2.62 g) were assigned into 6 categories, A to F, of 5 rats each. Category A (control) received 0.4 ml of saline. Constipations were induced in categories B to F by oral
administration of rifaximin (2 mg/kg in saline for 48 h) and treated respectively with saline, glycerine (reference drug at 40 mg/kg), 50, 150 and 250 mg/kg of PREDEG (extracted via standard methods). All the treatments were given orally for 6 days using oral device. Rifaximin-induced constipation significantly (p < 0.05) decreases the feed and water intake, faecal quality, bodyweight and gastrointestinal flow proportion. All these alterations were attenuated dose-dependently, when co-treated with PREDEG and highest activity recorded at 250 mg/kg compared to reference drug. The data present polyphenol-rich extract of D. exilis grains as a potent anti-constipation agent and may act probably by lowering gastrointestinal dysmotility. This validates its traditional use in the treatment of constipation mostly in the Northern part of Nigeria.