Review Article Herbal Antidiarrhoeals: A Review

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2229-3701

_________________________________________Review Article

Herbal Antidiarrhoeals: A Review

RV. Sarin and PA. Bafna*

Rayat Institute of Pharmacy, Rayat and Bahra Campus, Railmajra, Dist. Nawanshahar,

Near Ropar, Punjab, India.

__________________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT
Diarrhoea has long been recognized as one of the most important health problems and leading cause of
mortality and morbidity in the developing countries. It is the main leading causes of death and growth
retardation in children. The various treatments available for diarrhoea are drugs like loperamide, bismuth
subsalicylate and racecadotril. Due to various side effects of synthetic drugs like abdominal discomfort, dry
mouth, nausea, constipation and headache there are many herbal plants used in the treatment of diarrhoea
which show their antidiarrhoeal activity by reducing the gastrointestinal motility and gastric secretion. This
review focuses on the various plants which have been proved for their anti-diarrhoeal activity in experimental
animal models; though there are still many more herbal plants that have been traditionally used in the
treatment of diarrhoea in India but yet have not been scientifically validated for the claim. The review also
discusses the various experimental animal models carried out for the evaluation of anti diarrhoeal activity of
drugs, namely castor oil induced diarrhoea model, castor oil/ PGE2 induced intestinal fluid accumulation
(enteropooling) assay, gastrointestinal motility test, magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea, serotonin
induced diarrhoea and irinotecan induced diarrhoea models.

Key Words: Diarrhoea, plants, animal models, gastrointestinal motility, secretion.

INTRODUCTION retardation and death in infants5. According to
Diarrhoea is a symptom marked by rapid and W.H.O. estimates for 1998, about 7.1 million
frequent passage of semisolid or liquid feacal deaths were caused by diarrhoea6 and the cause of
material through the gastrointestinal tract and 3.3% of all deaths7. Around 88% of diarrheal-
involves both an increase in the motility of the related deaths are caused due to inadequate
gastrointestinal tract along with increased sanitation and poor hygiene8.
secretions and a decrease in the absorption of fluid Diarrhoea can be either acute (short term) or
and thus a loss of electrolytes particularly Na+ and chronic (long term). Acute diarrhoea is a common
water1. Diarrhoea is also called loose motions. problem that lasts for 1 or 2 days and chronic
Diarrhoea is not itself a disease, but can be a diarrhoea is that which lasts for at least 4 weeks.
Chronic diarrhoea symptoms are continual or they
symptom of several diseases. It is one of the most may come and go. Diarrhoea lasting for more than
common clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, 2 days is a sign of a more serious problem. There
but also can reflect primary disorders outside the are two main types of diarrheal disease:
digestive system. According to Peter Anton, a
gastroenterologist and researcher with the Non inflammatory
University of California at Los Angeles, diarrhoea Intestinal infections, such as Cholera and Giardia,
is considered to be present if one of the following are caused by an alteration in intestinal absorption
applies: (a) stool weight of greater than 200 g per of fluids. These types of infections result in large
volumes of watery diarrhoea, accompanied by
day, (b) more than 2 stools per day for more than cramps and bloating, with mild or no fever.
30 days, (c) more than 3 stools per day for more
than 7 days, (d) more than 3 stools per day, looser Inflammatory
than usual, for more than 3 days; or (e) more than 3 Also known as dysentery, this kind of disease is
stools per day, with a change in frequency or characterized by smaller volumes of bloody
consistency2. diarrhoea, accompanied with fever and pain. It is
Diarrhoea has long been recognized as one of the caused by microbes, such as Shigella and
Entamoeba histolytica that invade the colon and
most important health problems and leading cause trigger an inflammatory immune response.
of mortality and morbidity in the developing The main causes of diarrhoea are overeating or
countries3 and produces more illness and causes eating of wrong foods, putrefaction of food in the
death of more infants and children below 5 years
old than all other diseases combined4. Diarrhoea is
considered as one of the leading causes of growth

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International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2229-3701

intestinal tract, fermentation caused by incomplete Kaopectate®) may help stop diarrhoea in adults.
However, people with bloody diarrhoea, a sign of
carbohydrate digestion, nervous irritability, use of bacterial or parasitic infection should not use these
medicines. If diarrhoea is caused by bacteria or
antibiotic drugs, and excessive intake of laxatives. parasites, over-the-counter medicines may prolong
the problem, so doctors usually prescribe
Intestinal infection is the most common cause of antibiotics instead13. Antimicrobials should not be
used routinely15. Anti protozoal drugs eg.
diarrhoea worldwide (9). Causes of diarrhoea quinolones, tinidazole and azithromycin can also be
effective for diarrhoea in children16.
include infectious agents such as viruses (rotavirus, The various treatments available for diarrhoea (eg.
loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate, racecadotril and
norovirus, herpes simplex virus, etc), parasites many more) possess various side effects like
abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, nausea,
(Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and constipation and headache. Various herbal
remedies are present that possess lesser side effects
Cryptospordium parvum), bacteria than the conventional drugs and thus are safer to
use. There are many plants possessing anti
(Campylobacter, Salmonella, Vibrio cholera, diarrheal activity, which act by reducing the
gastrointestinal motility and/or the secretions. The
Shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli etc.); main chemical constituents in plants found to be
responsible for anti diarrheal activity are tannins
certain medications such as antibiotics, anti cancer and tannic acid, flavonoids, alkaloids,
sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, terpenes and terpenoids.
drugs and antacids containing magnesium; plant This review focuses on the different plants which
have been proved for their anti-diarrhoeal activity
and animal toxins; GIT (gastro-intestinal) disorders and also discusses some important experimental
models of diarrhoea.
and substances that increase gastrointestinal tract
PLANTS WITH ANTIDIARRHOEAL
secretions. It can also be caused by the ingestion of ACTIVITY
Acacia catechu
poorly absorbable materials, or inflammatory and Acacia catechu (Fabaceae) is commonly called as
Khair or Babul in Hindi and Kattha in Urdu. Kattha
dysmotility problems of the gastro-intestinal tract is frequently used with beetle leaf for chewing. It is
indigenous to India, Burma, Srilanka and East
(10). Mucositis or inflammation of the mucous Africa. Castor oil induced diarrhoea model was
used for evaluation of anti-diarrhoeal activity.
membranes lining the alimentary tract is a potential Single administration of ethyl acetate extract of
A.catechu at the dose of 250mg/kg (p.o.) was found
adverse effect of chemotherapeutic agents, and to possess highly significant (p<0.001) anti-
diarrhoeal activity in respect of the latent period of
diarrhoea is the symptomatic result of mucositis of onset of diarrhoea, average number of stool passed
and purging index17.
the large bowel (11). For some chemotherapy
Acorus calamus
regimens, like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and IFL Acorus calamus (Acoraceae) is commonly known
as Sweet Flag or Calamus. It is a
[Irinotecan (CPT-11; Camptosar), 5-FU and tall perennial wetland monocot with scented leaves
and more strongly scented rhizomes. Different
Leucovorin], diarrhoea has been linked to excess parts of the plant have been used medicinally and
hospitalizations and death12. its scent has been used to make fragrances. The
methanolic and aqueous extract of A. calamus
Diarrhoea may be accompanied by cramping rhizomes at dose of 3 mg, 7.5 mg, 15 mg was found
to possess anti diarrhoeal potential against castor
abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or an urgent need oil induced diarrhoea in mice. The methanolic
extract significantly (p<0.001) reduced the onset of
to use the bathroom and a person may have fever or diarrhoea and total weight of the faeces18 and was
bloody stools13. Diarrhoea of any duration may found to be more effective than the aqueous
extract.
cause dehydration, which means the body lacks

enough fluid and electrolytes, affects the muscle

activity, and other important functions. Signs of

dehydration in adults are thirst, fatigue, dry skin

and tongue, dark coloured urine, dizziness, sunken

eyeballs, etc and in infants and young children

these are high fever, absence of tears when crying,

dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, checks or soft

spot in the skull and no wet diaper for 3 hours or

more .

In most cases of diarrhoea, the only treatment

necessary is replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to

prevent dehydration. Thus oral rehydration therapy

(ORT) is used in diarrhoea. In this treatment oral

rehydration solution (ORS) which contains sodium,

chloride, glucose anhydrous and potassium citrate

is given to patients orally to prevent dehydration.

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as

pedialyate® (Abbott Laboraties) or Gastrolyte®

(Aventis Pharmaceuticals) are available in market.

Supplementation treatment includes folate, vitamin

A, zinc sulphate, magnesium and copper, which

reduce the incidence of diarrhoea. It is also found

to reduce mortality rates among children with

diarrhoea. Several adsorbents like kaolin, pectin,

activated charcoal, Lactobacillus sporogens are also

given in the treatment of diarrhoea (14). Over-the-

counter medicines such as loperamide (Imodium®)
and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol® and

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International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2229-3701

Amaranthus spinosus (MIC90) of the strains for the extracts were 2.5 and
Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is >5 mg/ml, respectively. The minimum bactericidal
commonly known as “Katewali Chaulai concentration for the extract was found to be 10
(Kanatabhaji)” in Hindi, and used as a vegetable mg/ml. The neem extract showed antisecretory
and cultivated throughout India, Srilanka and many activity against Vibrio cholerae induced fluid
other tropical countries. Castor oil induced secretion in mouse intestine with inhibition values
diarrhoea, castor oil induced enteropooling and of 27.7%, 41.1%, 43.3%, 57.0%, and 77.9% at the
gastrointestinal propulsion models were carried out doses of 100, 200, 300, 450 and 1800 mg/kg,
to evaluate anti-diarrhoeal activity of this plant. respectively. Oral administration of the extract
The ethanolic extract (50%) of the whole plant of inhibited hemorrhage induced by Vibrio cholerae in
A. spinosus (ASE) significantly (p<0.001) inhibited the mouse intestine at a dose ≥300 mg/kg (21).
the travel of charcoal meal at three different doses
(100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, p.o). Aegle marmelos
Pretreatment of mice at the doses of 100, 200, and Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae) commonly known as
400 mg/kg of ASE (p.o), caused a dose-dependent ‘Bael’ is a tree native to India. It is present
and significant delay in the onset of diarrhea, throughout Southeast Asia as a naturalized species.
decrease in the frequency of stooling (reduction in It is a mid-sized, slender, aromatic and gum-
number of wet stools and total stools), decrease in bearing tree growing up to 18 meters tall.
the weight of wet stools, and decrease in the Methanolic and aqueous extract of unripe fruit of
general diarrhea score, including hard stool, mild, A.marmelos at the doses of 3 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg and
and copious diarrhea and also significant (p<0.001) 15 mg/kg exhibited anti diarrhoeal potential against
reduction in intestinal accumulation, compared to castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. The
the control group19. methanolic plant extract was found to be more
effective than the aqueous extract. The methanolic
Asparagus racemosus extract significantly (p<0.001) reduced the
Asparagus racemosus (Liliaceae) commonly called induction time of diarrhoea and the total weight of
Satavari, Satawar or Satmuli, is a perennial shrub the faeces18.
with a tuberous root-stock, stems covered with
recurved spines, linear leaves arranged in a tuft and Butea monospema
sweet-scented white flowers which appear in the Butea monosperma (Lam) Kuntz (Fabaceae) also
month of October. The anti-diarrhoeal activity of known as ‘Bastard Teak’ is a medium sized tree,
ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. racemosus root native of the mountainous regions of India and
was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhoea Burma. The anti-diarrhoeal potential of the
model, charcoal meal test and PGE2 induced ethanolic extract of stem bark of B. monosperma
intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling) in has been evaluated using several experimental
rats. The ethanol and aqueous extracts at the doses models in Wistar albino rats. The extract at the
of 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg showed significant doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg inhibited castor oil
(p<0.001) reduction in the number of defecations induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling
and delayed the onset of diarrhoea. These extracts in rats. The extract significantly inhibited the
at the dose of 200 mg/kg also decreased the frequency of defecation and the wetness of the
propulsion of the charcoal meal through the faecal droppings when compared to control rats and
gastrointestinal tract as compared to the control showed activity similar to that of loperamide. The
group. Both the extracts at the dose of 250 mg/kg extract also reduced the intestinal propulsive
were also found to significantly inhibit PGE2 movement in the charcoal meal test at 800 mg/kg
induced enteropooling in rats20. and showed activity similar to that of atropine.
These observations suggested that the ethanolic
Azadirachta indica extract at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg reduced
Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) is a tree and is diarrhoea by inhibiting gastrointestinal motility and
commonly known as neem. It is one of two species PGE2 induced enteropooling22.
in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian
subcontinent, growing in tropical and semi-tropical Bombax buonopozense
regions. The methanol extract of neem leaf was Bombax buonopozense P. Beauv. (Bombacacea) is
tested for its antibacterial, antisecretory and a large tropical tree that grows up to 40 meters in
antihemorrhagic activity against Vibrio cholerae, a height with large buttress roots that can spread upto
causative agent of watery diarrhoea such as six meters. The bark is covered with large conical
cholera. A.indica extract exhibited significant spines, especially when the tree is young, but sheds
antibacterial activity against the multi-drug- them with age in varying degrees. The methanolic
resistant Vibrio cholerae of serotypes O1, O139 extract of leaves of B. buonopozense was screened
and non-O1, non-O139. The minimum inhibitory for antidiarrheal effects using models like castor-oil
concentration reached by 50% (MIC50) and 90% induced diarrhoea, enteropooling and intestinal

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International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2229-3701

transit in rats at the doses of 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg evaluated in mice by using castor oil induced
and 400 mg/kg. The methanolic extract produced a diarrhoea model. The hydroalcoholic extract (200
marked antidiarrheal effect in rats. All the doses mg/kg and 400mg/kg), acetone fraction (100
significantly (p<0.05) decreased the total number mg/kg) and methanol fraction (100 mg/kg)
of wet feces, slowed down the propulsion of produced significant (p<0.05) anti-diarrhoeal
charcoal meal through the gastrointestinal tract and activity when compared to untreated rats4.
significantly (p<0.05) decreased the intestinal fluid
volume23. Crataeva nurvala
Crataeva nurvala (Capparidaceae) is a small tree
Clitoria ternate which is usually cultivated in the vicinity of
Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Fabaceae) commonly temples in Central India, Bengal and Assam. The
called “Shankpushpi”, is a perennial twing herb, anti-diarrhoeal activity of ethanol extract of C.
stems are terete and more or less pubescent. There nurvala stem bark was evaluated by using castor
are two varieties of C. ternatea: white-flower and oil‐induced diarrhoea model, castor oil induced
blue flower varieties found in Indo-China, enteropooling and small intestine transit model in
Philippines and Madagascar. Since the flowers of rats. The extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg (i.p.) was
the plant resemble a conch shell; it is commonly found to produce a significant reduction in the fecal
called “Shankpushpi”. The alcoholic extract of C. output and frequency of droppings similar to
ternatea root was investigated for its anti-diarrhoeal atropine (3mg/kg, i.p.). The extract at the same
property in albino rats by using castor oil induced dose, also significantly retarded the castor‐oil
diarrhoea model; castor oil induced intestinal fluid induced enteropooling and intestinal transit along
accumulation (enteropooling) and gastrointestinal with a significant inhibition (p<0.001) in weight
motility test. The alcoholic extract was found to be and volume of intestinal content26.
effective against castor oil induced diarrhoea at
doses of 100, 200 & 400 mg/kg. The decrease in Cynodon dactylon
the number of wet faeces as well as wet mass as Cynodon dactylon Pers (Poaceae) is commonly
compared to that of control group indicated the known as Bermuda grass. It is a highly branched
presence of antidiarrhoeal activity. The alcoholic perennial grass, rooting at every node with narrow
extract at the doses of 100, 200 & 400 mg/kg also leaves, and is a native of South Africa, South
produced a profound decrease (11.06% - 32.94%) Europe and found distributed throughout India. The
in intestinal transit and significantly inhibited hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and
castor oil induced enteropooling in terms of volume methanol extracts of whole plant of C.
and weight of intestinal content. The effects were dactylon were tested for anti diarrheal activity on
found to be comparable to that of the standard drug castor oil induced diarrhoea, gastrointestinal
atropine (24). motility by charcoal meal and enteropooling
models in albino rats at dose levels of 200 and 300
Calotropis gigantean mg/kg (p.o.). Methanol extract at the doses of 200
Calotropis gigantea R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) a and 300 mg/kg exhibited considerable reduction of
wildly growing plant has been reported to possess a castor oil induced diarrhoea, significant decrease in
number of medicinal properties. The anti diarrheal gastrointestinal motility (charcoal meal test) and
effect of hydroalcoholic (50:50) extract of aerial decrease in weight of intestinal contents in
part of C. gigantea at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 enteropooling models.. However hexane,
mg/kg (i.p.) was studied against castor oil induced dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts did not
diarrhoea model in rats, castor oil induced show considerable activity. These results indicated
enteropooling and small intestinal transit model in that the plant possesses anti-diarrheal activity27.
rats. All the doses of plant extract showed
significant reduction in fecal output and frequency Cochlosperum planchonii
of droppings. They also reduced the castor oil Cochlospermum planchonii (Bixaceae) is a shrub
induced enteropooling and intestinal transit. The or a small tree of 2-2.5m height with young
extract at the doses of 100 mg/kg (p<0.01), 200 branches and leaves. Anti-diarrhoeal properties of
mg/kg (p<0.001) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001) also the methanolic root extract of C. planchonii was
showed a significant decrease in the weight and studied using gastric emptying time (GET) in rats,
volume of intestinal content25. castor oil induced enteropooling and charcoal plug
transit time in mice. The extract of C. planchonii
Cicer arietinum significantly (p<0.05) reduced the rate of gastric
Cicer arietinum Linn (Leguminosae) is an annual emptying into the duodenum in a dose dependent
herb that is spread into Southern Europe, India, manner (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) where the
Egypt and Southern America. The antidiarrhoeal extract at the dose of 1000 mg/kg was found to be
activity of hydroalcoholic extract, acetone fraction more effective than diphenoxylate (5 mg/kg). The
and methanol fraction of the roots of this plant was extract also markedly inhibited the movement of

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International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2229-3701

charcoal plug dose dependently. Oral The ethanol extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg (p.o.)
administration of the extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) showed significant inhibitory activity against castor
and the reference drug diphenoxylate (5 mg/kg) oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced
significantly (p<0.05) decreased the distance enteropooling in rats. These extracts also showed a
covered by the charcoal plug in the intestine of significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility in
mice; with the highest dose of the extract (1000 charcoal meal test in rats31.
mg/kg) producing similar percent inhibition (44%)
of the charcoal plug as that of the reference drug. In Erythrina senegalensis
castor oil induced enteropooling, the extract Erythrina senegalensis A. DC. (Fabaceae) is a coral
significantly (p<0.05) decreased the intra luminal tree. Coral trees are used widely in the tropics and
fluid content in mice28. subtropics as street and park trees, especially in
drier areas. It is found in Mali, Senegal and
Dichrostachys cinerea Nigeria. Anti‐diarrhoeal activity of the plant was
Dichrostachys cinerea (Mimosaceae) is commonly evaluated in vivo using castor oil induced diarrhoea
known as Sicklebush, Bell mimosa and Chinese model in rats and in vitro using isolated rabbit
lantern tree. The vacuum dried ethanolic extract of jejunum. The methanolic extract of the root
leaf; bark and root of the plant were screened (500mg/kg, i.p.) and bark (1000 mg/kg, i.p.)
separately for their antidiarrhoeal activity by using significantly (p<0.05) reduced the frequency of
castor oil induced model and small intestinal transit diarrhoea stool and the spontaneous propulsive
model at two dose levels (200mg/kg and 400 movement of isolated rabbit jejunum. The extract
mg/kg, p.o.). All the extracts exhibited significant also irreversibly inhibited acetylcholine induced
anti‐diarrhoeal activity against both the models29. motility of rabbit jejunum32.

Dodonaea viscose Erythrina indica
Dodonaea viscosa Linn. Jacq. (Sapindaceae) is Erythrina indica (Fabaceae) commonly known as
commonly known as ‘Aliar’ and ‘Vilayati Pangri or Dadak, is a medium-sized, spiny,
mehandi’ in India. It is an evergreen shrub deciduous tree normally growing upto 6-9 m
abundantly growing in the Western Ghats of (occasionally 28 m) tall. The ethanol and aqueous
Tamilnadu and distributed throughout India. The extracts of its leaves was evaluated for anti-
anti-diarrheal activity of alcohol and aqueous diarrhoeal potential against castor oil-induced
extracts (100, 200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) of the roots diarrhoea model, PGE2 induced intestinal fluid
of D. viscose was investigated against castor oil accumulation (enteropooling), and gastro intestinal
induced diarrhoea in mice. The reduction in tract motility models in albino Wistar rats. The
diarrheal episodes was significant and the extracts at the dose of 500 mg/kg (p.o.) showed
maximum effect was observed at the dose of significant (p<0.01) reduction in the number of
400mg/kg of both the extracts3. defecations over four hours and delayed the onset
of diarrhoea when compared to that of untreated
Delonix regia control rats; the activity found to be similar to that
Delonix regia (Fabaceae ) is commonly known of loperamide (5mg/kg), the standard anti-
as Gulmohar in India. It is a species of flowering diarrhoeal agent. Both the extracts also showed
plant noted for its fern-like leaves and flamboyant significant inhibitory activity on gastrointestinal
display of flowers. The ethanolic extract of the tract motility after charcoal meal administration
drug was evaluated for in vivo antidiarrhoeal and PGE2 induced intestinal fluid accumulation
activity, against experimentally induced diarrhoea (enteropooling)33.
models like castor-oil induced diarrhoea,
prostaglandin-E2 induced enteropooling and Ficus bengalensis
charcoal induced gastrointestinal motility test in Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Moraceae) commonly
rats. Pretreatment with 70% ethanolic extract of D. known as the banyan, is a large and extensive
regia flowers at the doses of 100, 250 and growing tree of the Indian subcontinent. The
500mg/kg (p.o.) exhibited a dose dependent ethanol extract of its roots was evaluated for anti-
antidiarrhoeal effect comparable to that of diarrhoeal activity against different experimental
loperamide (1mg/kg, p.o)30. models of diarrhoea in rats. The extract at the dose
of 400 mg/kg (p.o), showed significant inhibitory
Eugenia jambolana activity against castor oil induced diarrhoea and
Eugenia jambolana Lam. (Myrtaceae) is an PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats. These extracts
evergreen tropical tree native to Bangladesh, also showed a significant reduction in
India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal tests in
The ethanol extract of E. jambolana (bark), was rats31.
evaluated for anti-diarrhoeal activity against
different experimental models of diarrhoea in rats.

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Ficus racemosa Ludwigia hyssopifolia
Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) is popularly Ludwigia hyssopifolia Linn. (Onagraceae) is an
known as the Cluster Fig Tree or Goolar (Gular) annual herb that grows extensively in almost all
Fig. This is native to Australia, South-East parts of Bangladesh, India (except the Western
Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. The ethanol desert region) and Ceylon. The methanol extract of
extract of its bark was evaluated for anti-diarrhoeal whole plant (LHM) was evaluated for its anti
activity against different experimental models of diarrhoeal activity in castor oil and serotonin
diarrhoea in rats. The extract at the dose of 400 induced diarrhoea in laboratory mice and also
mg/kg (p.o), showed significant inhibitory activity against gastrointestinal motility model in mice.
against castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 Antidiarrheal activity of LHM was investigated by
induced enteropooling in rats. These extracts also castor oil challenge (1 ml/kg body weight) in the
showed a significant reduction in gastrointestinal laboratory mice at the doses of 50, 100, 200 and
motility in charcoal meal test in rats31. 400 mg/kg body weight (p.o.). Result showed that
the extract LHM, at the dose of 50mg/kg body
Guiera senegalensis weight, did not exhibit any significant antidiarrheal
Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (Combretaceae) is a activity; whereas at a dose of 100mg/kg body
shrub that grows to about 3m high. The anti- weight, it showed almost similar effect as that of
diarrhoeal property of the aqueous extract of its the standard drug loperamide in reducing the
roots was investigated in rats and mice. The number of diarrheal episodes. The extract at the
intestinal transit in mice was significantly (p<0.05) higher doses (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body
reduced and gastric emptying was delayed at the weight, p.o.) reduced the number of stool more
doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg (p.o.) of the than that observed with the standard drug
extract and elicited a greater anti-motility activity loperamide. The LHM was also evaluated for its
than 0.1 mg/kg of atropine. G. senegalensis also antidiarrheal activity in serotonin-induced
exerted significant and dose-related inhibitory diarrhoea in mice at a dose of 200mg/kg and
effect on castor oil-induced enteropooling in rats. 400mg/kg body weight. The extract, at both the
The extract significantly (p<0.05) inhibited both dose levels, exhibited significant (p<0.001)
the frequency of defaecation as well as the wetness reduction in number of diarrheal episodes in
of the faecal droppings in mice. Furthermore, the comparison to control. The effects of LHM on the
extract produced 100% inhibition of castor oil- gastrointestinal motility were then studied in
induced diarrhoea in mice34. laboratory mice at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg
body weight. The results indicated that the extract
Holoptelea integrifolia at dose of 100mg/kg body weight reduced the
Holoptelea integrifolia (Urticaceae) is an important gastrointestinal motility by 53.8% in comparison to
pollen allergen of India. The anti diarrhoeal activity control, which was comparable to that of the
of ethanolic extract of leaves of this plant was standard drug loperamide that caused a reduction in
studied in castor oil and magnesium sulphate motility by 68.8%36.
induced diarrhoea model in mice. At the doses of
250 and 500 mg/kg (p.o.), the ethanolic extract Listea polyantha
showed significant and dose-dependent Litsea polyantha (Lauraceae) is a big tree, which is
antidiarrhoeal activity in both models. The extracts abundant in the hilly area of Chotanagpur region in
also significantly reduced the intestinal transit in the State of Jharkhand (India). The anti-diarrheal
charcoal meal test when compared to atropine activity of methanol extract of dried bark and aerial
sulphate (5 mg/kg, i.m.)35. parts of L. polyantha (MELP) has been evaluated in
mice using different models (castor oil-induced
Kigelia africana diarrhoea and propulsive gut motility). MELP at
Kigelia africana (Lam) Benth is commonly called the doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (p.o.)
the Sausage tree in English. It is found in tropical significantly (p<0.01) reduced the onset of
Africa and is used locally in Nigeria for the diarrhoea, fecal excretion and also showed a
management of chronic abdominal pain. significant (p<0.001) reduction in gastrointestinal
Anti‐diarrhoea activity of the methanolic extract of motility in charcoal meal test in mice37.
the plant was evaluated in vivo using castor oil
induced diarrhoea model in rats and in vitro using Leucas lavandulaefolia
isolated rabbit jejunum. K. africana (500 and Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees (Labiatae) commonly
1000mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the known as Halkusha, is a well-known plant in
frequency of diarrhoea stool and the spontaneous Indian traditional medicine. Ethanol extract of L.
propulsive movement of isolated rabbit jejunum lavandulaefolia Rees (aerial parts) was evaluated
(anti‐motility)32. for anti-diarrhoeal activity against castor oil
induced diarrhoea, gastrointestinal motility test and
PGE2 induced diarrhoea models in rats. The ethanol

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extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg (p.o.), showed English and is found in the forest regions of East
significant inhibitory activity against castor oil Indies, West Indies, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and
induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling Africa; and is very common in Nigeria. The anti-
in rats. This extract also showed a significant diarrheal effect of methanol extract of seeds of M.
reduction in gastrointestinal motility in charcoal tenuifolia at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (i.p,)
meal tests in rats31. was studied using rodent models of diarrhoea
namely, enteropooling and gastrointestinal motility
Moringa oleifera induced by castor oil. The methanol extract
Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) also called significantly (p<0.05) reduced the number of fecal
the horseradish tree, is a small- to medium-sized droppings at all the three doses tested. The
tree, found almost all over the plains of India. Anti inhibition caused by the extract was found to be
diarrhoeal activity of methanolic extract of root of slightly greater than that of atropine. The methanol
M. oleifera at the doses of 100, 200 and 400, mg/kg extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the volume
(i.p.) was investigated against castor oil induced and weight of intestinal content; along with
diarrhoea model, castor oil enteropooling model reduction in small intestinal transit of charcoal
and small transit time model in rats. The meal in mice induced by castor oil. The effect of
methanolic root extract at the doses of 200 (p<0.01) the extract at the three doses was found to be
and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001) produced a significant greater than that of atropine40.
reduction in the severity and frequency of
diarrhoea, intestinal fluid accumulation, volume of Musa sapientum
intestinal content and intestinal transit when Musa sapientum (Musaceae) is commonly known
compared to normal saline control group6. as ‘banana’. Anti diarrhoeal activity of the
methanolic extract of M.sapientum seed (MMSS)
Morinda morindoides has been investigated against castor oil induced
Morinda morindoides (Rubiaceae) is found in the diarrhoea model, magnesium sulphate induced
borders of tropical forests. The ethyl acetate extract diarrhoea and gastrointestinal motility model in
of leaves of M. morindoides (250, 500 and 1000 mice. The methanolic extract at the doses of 100
mg/kg body weight) was administered orally to and 200 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly (p<0.001)
evaluate the anti diarrhoeal activity against castor reduced the total number of faeces as well as
oil-induced diarrhoea model, intestinal transit and delayed the onset of diarrhoea in a dose dependent
castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation manner. The extract exhibited significant anti-
(enteropooling) models in rats. The extract showed diarrheal activity against magnesium sulphate-
a pronounced and dose-dependent anti-diarrhoeal induced diarrhoea. The extract at both the dose
activity, where the protective role of the extract at levels significantly (p<0.001) reduced the extent of
1000 mg/kg was comparable to that of the diarrhoea and also notably delayed the onset of
reference drug, loperamide (5mg/kg). The extract diarrhoea in a dose dependent manner. The
(1000mg/kg) produced a decrease in intestinal methanolic extract, at the doses of 100 and 200
transit comparable to that of atropine (5mg/kg) and mg/kg, retarded (p<0.001) the intestinal transit of
significantly (p<0.01) inhibited castor oil-induced charcoal meal in mice when compared to the
enteropooling 38. control41.

Momordica balsamina Mitragyna diversifolia
Momordica balsamina Linn (Cucurbitaceae) is a Mitragyna diversifolia (Rubiaceae), commonly
climber or trailer with stems attaining 4-5mm in known as ‘Kalikodom’ is a small deciduous tree
length. It is locally known as Balsam apple in and is frequently cultivated in the hilly areas of
English. Anti-diarrhoeal effect of aqueous extract Bangladesh. Antidiarrhoeal activity of methanolic
of whole plant of M. balsamina has been evaluated extract of M. diversifolia was investigated against
in castor oil induced diarrhoea model in rats and on gastrointestinal motility in barium sulfate milk
isolated rabbit jejunum. The extract at the doses of model and castor oil-induced diarrhea model in
0.1g/kg, 0.25g/kg and 1.0g/kg (i.p.) significantly rats. The extract at the dose of 250 mg/kg (p.o)
(p<0.05) protected the rats against castor oil- significantly (p<0.05) decreased the gastrointestinal
induced diarrhoea. Also the effect of the plant motility in rats from 55.68% (control group) to
extract on isolated jejunum revealed that the extract 43.56% (treated group), and also significantly
produced an initial transient contraction followed (p<0.01) inhibited the mean number of defecation
by relaxation39. (88.57% inhibition) as compared to control group42.

Monodora tenuifolia Mangifera indica
Monodora tenuifolia Benth (Annonaceae) is a Mangifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae) is a large
shrub which usually grows into a medium sized evergreen tree, indigenous to India, reaching a
forest tree. It is known as “African nutmeg” in height of 15 metres. Both unripe and ripe fruits are

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widely used by the local population. Anti- St. John’s wort
diarrhoeal activity of methanolic (MMI) and St John's wort (SJW) is the plant species
aqueous (AMI) extracts of seeds of M. indica at the Hypericum perforatum and is also known
dose of 250 mg/kg (p.o.) has been evaluated in as Tipton's Weed, Chase-devil or Klamath weed. St
experimental diarrhoea induced by castor oil and John's wort is used to refer to any species of the
magnesium sulphate in mice, and also in small genus Hypericum. Therefore H.perforatum is
intestine transit time model in mice. Both the sometimes called Common St John's wort in order
extracts exhibited significant anti-diarrhoeal to differentiate it. Anti diarrhoeal activity of St.
activity, comparable to that of standard drug John’s wort was studied against irinotecan (CPT-
loperamide (3 mg/kg), against castor oil- and 11) -induced diarrhoea. SJW at the dose of 400
MgSO4-induced diarrhoea. However, only MMI mg/kg/day (p.o.) attenuated the irinotecan induced-
significantly reduced intestinal transit in charcoal diarrhoea and intestinal damage, inhibited pro-
meal test as compared with atropine inflammatory cytokine production, diminished
sulphate (5 mg/kg; i.m.)43. TNF-α mRNA expression and also reduced
intestinal epithelial apoptosis all induced by
Phyllantus emblica irinotecan. SJW modulated the various pro-
Phyllanthus emblica Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is inflammatory cytokines including interleukins (IL-
locally known as “Amla”. It is one of the valuable 1β, IL-2, IL-6), interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor
medicinal herbs used in gastrointestinal disorders. necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rats. In conclusion of
The crude methanolic extract of P. emblica has the study, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines
been investigated for its anti diarrhoeal activity. and intestinal epithelium apoptosis partly explained
The in vivo studies were conducted using castor oil the protective effect of SJW against the intestinal
induced diarrhoea model and castor oil induced toxicities induced by irinotecan46.
intestinal fluid accumulation model in mice, while
isolated rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig ileum were Sphaeranthus senegalensis
used for the in vitro experiments. The crude extract Sphaeranthus senegalensis Vaill (Asteraceae) is a
caused inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhoea strongly aromatic annual herb that grows wild in
and intestinal fluid accumulation in the dose range damp and swampy areas of tropical Africa and
of 500 to 700 mg/kg. In isolated rabbit jejunum, P. Asia. The aqueous extract of S. senegalensis was
emblica relaxed carbachol and K+ (80 mM) - investigated for anti-diarrhoeal activity in castor
induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of oil-induced diarrhoea and fluid accumulation
dicyclomine. The pre-incubation of guinea pig- model; and in gastrointestinal motility test. Results
ileum with the methanolic extract (0.3 mg/m), showed that pre-treatment with the extract at the
caused a rightward parallel shift in the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg (p.o.) caused a
concentration response curve (CRC) of dose-dependent protection against castor oil-
acetylcholine without suppression of the maximum induced diarrhoea and intraluminal fluid
response; while at a higher concentration (1 accumulation; and also inhibited gastrointestinal
mg/ml), it produced a non-parallel rightward shift transit motility 47.
with suppression of the maximum response, similar
to that of dicyclomine, suggesting anti-cholinergic Soonkijangquebo
and Ca2+ channel blocking (CCB)-like A Korean herbal formulation, Soonkijangquebo
antispasmodic effect44. TM (SKJQB), was produced by the Korea Medical
Science Institute Co., Ltd. The anti-diarrheal and
Rubia tinctorum spasmolytic activities of Soonkijangquebo TM
Rubia tinctorum Linn. (Rubiaceae) is a perennial (SKJQB) were subjected to pharmacological
scrambling or climbing herb and sub-shrub native evaluation. SKJQB, at the doses of 50–200 mg/kg,
to Africa, temperate Asia and America. Anti inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The
diarrhoeal activity of aqueous extract of R. median effective dose (ED50) was found to be 93
tinctorum roots was studied in castor oil induced mg/kg. In the isolated rabbit jejunum preparations,
diarrhoea model in rats and small intestine transit SKJQB produced a spasmolytic effect by causing
model in mice. The aqueous extract at the doses of relaxation of spontaneous contractions in a dose-
300, 600 and 800 mg/kg (p.o.) showed significant dependent manner9.
protection to rats against castor oil induced
diarrhoea. It also significantly inhibited the Sphaeranthus amaranthoides
gastrointestinal transit of charcoal in mice at the Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Linn. (SPA) is a small
dose of 800 mg/kg (p.o.). These results proved the procumbent herb, with stems rooting and pubescent
anti diarrhoeal activity of R. tinctorum45. with appressed hairs, and leaves palmately 3-
foliolate. Anti diarrhoeal activity of ethanolic
extract of SPA was studied against castor oil
induced diarrhoea model in rats. The ethanolic

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extract at the doses of 200 and 400mg/kg, the dose of 250 mg/kg (p.o.), significantly delayed
significantly reduced the frequency of defecation the intestinal transit of charcoal meal in test
and the wetness of fecal droppings when compared animals50.
with untreated rats, thereby exhibiting an anti-
diarrhoeal activity. Moreover SPA at the dose of ANIMAL MODELS FOR ANTI
400 mg/kg showed an equivalent effect to that of 5 DIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY
mg/kg of diphenoxylate48. A) In vivo models
1) Castor oil induced diarrhoea model
Terminalia belerica The method, described by Shoba and Thomas
erminalia belerica (Combretaceae) is also known as (2001), was used for this study. Castor oil induces
Vibhitaka, Aksha, Vipitakaha (Sanskrit), Bahera, diarrhoea by the formation of ricinoleic acid, an
Bhaira (Hindi). This tree is an important ayurvedic active compound of castor oil, in the upper
herb and is found throughout India, Burma & intestine. This being poorly absorbed induces
Ceylon below elevations of about 3000 ft., except change in the mucosal permeability, electrolyte
in dry & acrid region of Sind & Rajputana. The transport and intestinal peristalsis, leading to a
anti-diarrhoeal effect of aqueous (AQETB) and hypersecretory response and diarrhoea49. The
ethanolic extract (ETETB) of fruit pulp of ricinoleic acid readily forms ricinoleate salts with
T.belerica were evaluated at the doses of 143 sodium and potassium in the lumen of the intestine.
mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 334 mg/kg (p.o.) in castor Ricinoleate has several actions that could account
oil induced diarrhoea, PGE2 induced enteropooling for its anti-absorptive effect on the mucosa. It
and gastrointestinal motility test. All the doses of inhibits the enzyme sodium- potassium ATPase and
AQETB tested exhibited very significant anti- increases the permeability of the intestinal
diarrhoeal effect against castor oil induced epithelium, thus produces a cytotoxic effect on
diarrhoea. Both AQETB (p<0.05) and ETETB isolated enterocytes. It may stimulate epithelial cell
(p<0.01) produced a significant delay in the onset adenylyl cyclase, releases PG or other metabolite of
of diarrhoea with 200 mg/kg and 334 mg/kg; arachidonic acid and platelet activating factor51.
whereas 143 mg/kg showed a non significant Ricinoleic acid causes local irritation and
effect. Also, both the extracts significantly (p<0.01) inflammation of the intestinal mucosa leading to
decreased the no. of wet and dry defecation as PG release, which causes an increase in the net
compared to control. Both the extracts at the dose secretion of water and electrolytes into the small
of 334 mg/kg also significantly (p<0.01) reduced intestine52. Also ricinoleate acts as a calcium
the volume of intestinal content and decreased the ionophore, increasing the influx of extracellular
propulsion of charcoal meal through the calcium which activates calmodulin dependent
gastrointestinal tract49. secretory mechanism53.
Administration of 1 ml of castor oil orally in
Xylocarpus moluccensis animals causes diarrhoea54. Rats weighing 210–230
Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lamk.) M. Roem. g are used after overnight food deprivation. During
(Meliaceae), commonly known as ‘Possur’, is a the experiment, the rats are housed in individual
glabrous, medium-sized tree found in littoral cages with no access to drinking water. The
forests of Bengal, Burma, the Andaman’s, the potential antidiarrheal agents are administered
Malay Peninsula, Australia, Fiji and Africa. The orally by gavage in various doses. Controls receive
methanol extract of the barks of X. moluccensis, the solvent only. Each dose is given to 10 animals.
and its different fractions (chloroform fraction, One hour after dosage, 1ml of castor oil is
ethyl acetate fraction, residual methanol fraction) administered orally55. Following their
were studied for antidiarrhoeal activity using castor administration, the animals are placed separately in
oil- and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea acrylic cages with filter paper, which is changed
models in mice and gastrointestinal motility model every hour. The severity of diarrhoea is assessed
in mice. At the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg (p.o.) each hour for 4 h. The total number of faeces and
the methanol extract showed significant diarrhoeal faces excreted in record time are scored
antidiarrhoeal activity in both the models. The ethyl and compared with control group. The total score
acetate fraction and residual methanol fraction of diarrhoeal faeces of control group is considered
exhibited similar activity at the dose of 250 mg/kg as 100%. The results are expressed in terms of
in both castor oil- and magnesium sulphate-induced percentage of inhibition56.
diarrhoea models. No antidiarrhoeal activity was
observed with the chloroform fraction at the test (2) Magnesium sulphate induced diarrhoea
doses. In the gastrointestinal motility test, the model:
methanol extract, at the dose of 500 mg/kg retarded Magnesium sulphate has been reported to induce
the intestinal transit of charcoal meal in mice as diarrhoea by increasing the volume of intestinal
compared to the control. Among the fractions, ethyl content through the prevention of reabsorption of
acetate fraction and residual methanol fraction at water. It has also been demonstrated that it

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promotes the liberation of cholecystokinin from meal compared to the length of the small
duodenal mucosa, which increases the secretion intestine41.
and motility of small intestine and thereby prevents
the reabsorption of sodium chloride and water (50). (5) Serotonin (5-HT) induced diarrhoea model
A similar protocol as for castor oil-induced Swiss albino mice are screened initially by dosing
diarrhoea is generally followed. MgSO4 is given at 600 µg/kg body weight of serotonin (5-HT)
the dose of 2 g/kg. Drugs are given half an hour sulphate orally, and the animals showing diarrhoea
after MgSO4 administration57. are selected for the study. Three groups, each
consisting of five animals, are taken for the study.
(3) Enteropooling test / assay Group I is kept as control while Group II and
The enteropooling assay in rats has been developed Group III are given the different doses of drug.
by Robert et al., 1976 to test the diarrheogenic Drug pre-treatment is done orally 1 hour before the
property of prostaglandins for prediction of this mice are administered with the standard dose of
clinically relevant side effect of several synthetic serotonin. The animals are caged individually and
prostaglandins (55). PGE2 causes stimulation of gut the number of diarrheal episode in terms of drop
motility and conversion of small intestinal mucosa count is measured on an hourly basis. The
from absorption to secretion of water and cumulative number of diarrheal episode up to 4th
electrolytes. PGE2 causes accumulation of fluid in hour of serotonin challenge is calculated59.
intestinal lumen, which is because of the inhibition
of absorption of sodium, chloride and glucose (49). (6) Irinotecan induced diarrhoea model:
In this method, rats are deprived of food and water Irinotecan has been widely used for the clinical
for 18 h and placed in cages. One group is treated treatment of advanced colorectal cancer due to its
with the test drug. A second group is treated with 1 substantial antitumor activity when dose-intensified
ml of a 5% v/v ethanol in normal saline (i.p.) regimens are applied (60). However, diarrhoea,
followed by treatment with 0.5% Tween 80 especially late-onset diarrhoea, has been observed
suspension, which served as a negative control. at higher incidence than with other chemotherapies,
Immediately after the drug administration PGE2 which limited the further evaluation of more
(100 µg/kg) is administered orally to each rat. A aggressive regimens using irinotecan. Treatment of
third group is treated with PGE2 (100µg/kg) as well irinotecan caused marked apoptosis in intestinal
as 0.5% Tween 80 suspension and served as the crypts. An increased number of apoptotic crypt
PGE2 control group. After 30 min following cells and loss of complete epithelial architecture
administration of PGE2, each rat is sacrificed and due to inflammation may increase secretion of Cl−
the whole length of the intestine from the pylorus and Na+ and lead to severe diarrhoea. Irinotecan
to the caecum is dissected out, its content collected causes severe inflammatory damage with intestinal
in a test tube, and the volume is measured (20). hypersecretion via production of proinflammatory
Some other diarrheogenic agents like MgSO4, cytokines and prostaglandins (61). Irinotecan
castor oil, bile, taurocholate and taurochenodesoxy- causes severe intestinal damage with typical
cholate cause enteropooling, whereas mineral oil mucosal infiltration of inflammatory cells, focal
and tragacanth are ineffective. The anticholinergic crypt damage, epithelial injury and ulceration. It
agent methyl scopolamine partially counteracted increases IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production
the enteropooling. The assay, therefore, can be used in the intestine, liver, spleen and serum but
to test the laxative or the antidiarrheal activity of decreases IL-2 level in rats. Irinotecan-induced
compounds58. intestinal toxicity may be due to production of pro-
inflammatory cytokines. TNF-α is a critical
(4) Small intestine transit time model: cytokine that could orchestrate inflammatory
Animals are divided into four groups of five mice responses by activating a wide range of cells
each and each animal is given p.o, 1 ml of charcoal including neutrophils, macrophages and NK cells.
meal (5% activated charcoal suspended in 1% Activation of these cells in turn induces the
CMC) 60 min after an oral dose of drug or vehicle. production of inflammatory cytokine such as IL-1β,
Group I is administered 1% CMC (10 ml/kg) and IL-6 and IL-8 and upregulation of adhesion
animals in groups II and III receive the drug at molecules on cell surface (62).The adhesion
different doses. Group IV receive atropine sulfate molecules interact with receptors on leukocytes,
(0.1 mg/kg), which decreases gastrointestinal tract which subsequently infiltrate from the blood
motility and is generally used as the standard drug. vessels into the mucosa. In addition, increased
After 30 min, animals are killed by light ether TNF-α can potentiate the immune response of
anaesthesia and the intestine is removed without many other pro-inflammatory cytokines including
stretching and placed lengthwise on moist filter IL-1, IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-γ (63).TNF-α binds to its
paper. The intestinal transit is calculated as a known specific receptors, TNFR1 or TNFR2 to
percentage of the distance travelled by the charcoal initiate distinctive cellular response (64). The
expression pattern and kinetics of the transcripts for

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TNF-α are done by irinotecan in intestinal tissues root extracts, Int. J. Pharm. Bio Sci. 2010;
including ileum, cecum and colon. Irinotecan at the 1(4): 182-185.
dose of 60 mg/kg/day (3 ml/kg) by i.v. injection via 4. Dalal K., Singhroha S., Ahlawat S., Patra
tail vein for four consecutive days causes A., Anti-diarrhoeal activity of roots of
diarrhoea46. Cicer arietinum Linn, Int. J. Res. Pharm.
Bio Sci. 2011; 2(1): 268-270.
B) IN VITRO MODELS 5. Petri W.A., Miller M., Binder H.J., Levine
(1) Effect on isolated rabbit jejunum M.M., Dillingham Rebecca., Guerrant
Rabbits are sacrificed by a blow on the head, R.L., Enteric infections, diarrhoea, and
dislocating the neck and exsanguination. Segments their impact on function and development,
of the jejunum, about 2.0 cm long, are removed and J. Clin. Invest. 2008; 118: 1277–1290.
dissected free of adhering mesentery. The intestinal 6. Saralaya M.G., Patel P., Patel M., Roy
contents are removed by flushing with Tyrode S.P., Patel A.N., Antidiarrheal activity of
solution (NaCl: 136.8; KCl: 2.7; CaCl2: 1.3; methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera
NaHCO3: 12.0; MgCl2, 0.5; NaPO4: 0.14; glucose: Lam roots in experimental animal models,
5.5 millimole). The tissue is mounted in a 50 ml Int. J. Pharm Res. 2010; 2(2): 35-39.
organ bath containing Tyrode solution maintained 7. Daswani P.G., Brijesh S.T.,
at 37oC and aerated with air. A load of 0.5 g is Pundarikakshudu A., Noshir H., Birdi T.J.,
applied. Equilibration period of 60 minutes is Anti-diarrhoeal activity of Zingiber
allowed, during which the physiological solution is officinale (Rosc.), Curr. Sci. 2010; 98(2):
changed every 15 mins. At the end of the 222-229.
equilibration period, the effects of acetylcholine 8. Kose K.M., Bern C., Guerrant R.L., The
(1x10-5 g/ml), histamine (1x10-5 g/ml), and global burden of diarrheal disease, as
adrenaline (1x10-5 g/ml) are determined. The estimated from studies published between
effects of graded doses of the drugs are recorded. 1992 and 2000, Bulletin of the WHO.
Responses are recorded iso-metrically using Ugo 2003; 81: 197–204.
Basile Unirecorder 7050 (65). Also the effects of 9. Ryu S.D., Park C.S., Baek H.M., Baek
the various doses of drugs in the presence of S.H., Hwang S.Y., Chung W.G., Anti
antagonists, like atropine (1x10-5 g/ml) and diarrheal and spasmolytic activities and
nifedipine (1x10-7 g/ml), which are incubated for 3 acute toxicity studies of Soonkijangquebo,
minutes prior to the introduction of the drug, is a herbal anti diarrheal formula, J.
determined. The contact time for each Ethnopharmacol. 2004; 91: 75-80.
concentration is 1 min, which is followed by 10. Ahlquist D.A., Constipation and Diarrhea,
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Fauci A., Kasper D. (eds), McGraw Hill
FUTURE PROSPECTS Medical Publishing Division, New York,
There are still many herbal plants that have been 2001, 241-247.
traditionally used in the treatment of diarrhoea in 11. Wisinki K., Benson A.L., Chemotherapy
India, like Cuminum cyminum, Adhatoda vasica, induced mucositis: Focusing on Diarrhea,
Cissampelos pareira, Nigelia sativa, Datura alba, J Supp. Cont. 2007; 5: 270-271.
Parmelia perlata etc. but yet have not been 12. Saltz L.B. et al., Irinotecan plus
scientifically validated for the claim. Thus the fluorouracil and leucovorin for metastatic
future still holds promises for more safer and colorectal cancer. Irinotecan Study Group,
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13. NDDIC, A service of the National
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and
The authors would like to thank The Director, Kidney Disease (NIDDK), National
Rayat Institute of Pharmacy (Punjab) for providing Institute of Health Under U.S. Department
the necessary facilities for the research work. of Health and Human Services, 2003, NIH
Publication no .04-2749, 1-6.
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