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Anti-diarrhoeal effect of methanol leaf fraction of Cola hispida Brenan and Keay in rats


Ugochi Olivia Njoku
Obinna Martins Ogugofor

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-diarrhoeal activity of 20 % methanol leaf fraction of Cola hispida (MLFC) using castor oil-induced diarrhoea model in rats.


Methods: The activity of MLFC against castor oil-induced diarrhoea, intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling), and gastrointestinal motility were evaluated. The experimental animals were grouped into five, each with four animals. Group 1 received distilled water, while group 2 received loperamide and served as negative and standard control groups respectively. Groups 3 - 5 were administered 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of MLFC respectively. One-hour post-treatment, castor oil (p.o.) was used to induce diarrhoea in all the groups. The activity of MLFC was tested against castor oil-induced looseness of stool, fluid accumulation in the intestine and intestinal motility of charcoal meal. Its effect on electrolyte concentration in the small intestinal content was assessed; furthermore, its effect on the electrolyte concentrations of Na+, Cl-, K+, and HCO3in supernatants obtained from the intestinal loop effluents of the rats was evaluated.


Results: The MLFC produced a significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent decrease in the severity of diarrhoea and frequency of watery stool passed in castor oil-induced diarrhoea, enteropooling, gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal in rats and serum concentrations of sodium and chloride ions, while significant (p < 0.05) increase in potassium and bicarbonate ion concentrations were observed when compared with diarrhoeal control group. Similar inhibitory effects were obtained for loperamide control group.


Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that methanol leaf fraction of Cola hispida possesses anti-diarrhoeal properties by inhibiting intestinal peristalsis and hypersecretion of water and electrolytes. Thus, the findings lend some support to the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of diarrhoea.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996