The anti-diarrhoeal activity of the aqueous stem bark extract of <i>Parkia filicoidea</i> (Fabaceae)

Abstract

Parkia filicoidea, Welw (Fabaceae) has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea. This claim however need to be validated, hence this study. The study aimed at evaluating the anti-diarrhoeal activity of the stem bark of the plant. The plant was extracted using distilled water (AEPF) and tested at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses on castor oil induced diarrhoea, castor oil induced enteropooling, small intestinal transit and magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea in both rats and mice. Positive control (loperamide 3 mg/kg) and negative control (distilled water) were used in each of this model. The results showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) by the extract at both doses in the onset and frequency of stooling in both the castor oil and magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea in comparison with the negative control. A significant reduction (p<0.05) was also observed in transit time and enteropooling in the extract treated groups in comparison with the control. In conclusion, AEPF does have some anti-diarrhoea activity and compares well with loperamide.

Keywords: Castor oil, Activated charcoal, Magnesium sulphate, Enteropooling