EFFECT OF EREMOMASTAX SPECIOSA ON EXPERIMANTAL DIARRHOEA.

Authors

  • Julius E. Oben
  • Sheila E. Assi
  • Gabriel A. Agbor
  • David F. Musoro

Keywords:

Eremomastax speciosa, antidiarrhoeal activity, castor oil, phytochemicals.

Abstract

This study investigated the anti diarrhoeal activity of the aqueous extract of dried ground leaves of Eremomastax speciosa (Hochst.) Acanthaceae. Diarrhea was induced in mice by the administration of 0.2 ml of castor oil, with the control group receiving water. The administration by oral garvage of 400 or 800 mg/kg body weight of Eremomastax speciosa extract reduced castor oil induced diarrheoa by reducing the number of wet stools by 42.50 and 48.35% respectively. This was as a result of the ability of the extract to stimulate the reabsorption of water from the intestinal lumen as well as significantly reducing the intestinal transit time and intestinal motility. This antidiarrhoeal property could be as a result of the tannins and flavonoids, which were found to be present in Eremomastax speciosa.

Author Biographies

Julius E. Oben

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

Sheila E. Assi

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

Gabriel A. Agbor

Centre for Research on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, P.O. Box 6163, Yaounde, Cameroon

David F. Musoro

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

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Published

2006-01-12

How to Cite

Oben, J. E., Assi, S. E., Agbor, G. A., & Musoro, D. F. (2006). EFFECT OF EREMOMASTAX SPECIOSA ON EXPERIMANTAL DIARRHOEA. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 3(1), 95–100. Retrieved from https://athmsi.org/journals/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/11

Issue

Section

Research Papers