RESEARCH ARTICLE Anti-diarrhoeal, antispasmodic and ...

Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2012; Vol. 2: Issue 1, Pg 26-32 [AJPSci.]

ISSN- 2231–5640 (Print) www.asianpharmaonline.org
ISSN- 2231–5659 (Online) 0974-3618

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Anti-diarrhoeal, antispasmodic and phytochemical properties of ethanol
extract of the leaves of Ficus exasperate

Chinedu Fred Anowi1, Uyai Umanah2, A.U. Emezie3, AU Utoh-Nedosa4

1Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka
2Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology , Faculty of Pharmacy,
Madonna University, Elele.
3Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka
4Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka
*Corresponding Author E-mail:

ABSTRACT:

Aim - Ficus exasperata has been claimed to have medicinal and ethnopharmacological properties. The people of Efik
in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria used it to manage frequent stooling. This study
is therefore aimed at determining this claim using the leaves of Ficus exasperata which will also serve as criteria to
recommend the ethno pharmacological uses of the plant.
Methodology - The leaves were dried, powdered and extracted with ethanol for 48hrs at room temperature with
constant shaking using mechanical shaker. This was concentrated using rotary evaporator. Phytochemical screening
revealed the presence of alkaloid, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and glycoside. Antidiarrhea activity of the
extract was carried out which was compared to a standard drug (loperamide) using castor oil to induce diarrhoea.
Antispasmodic activity of the extract was also carried out which was compared with a standard drug using charcoal
meal test.
Result – Ficus exasperata decreases bowel’s movement and controls diarrhoea in experimental rats when compared
with standard drugs using standard experimental procedures.
Conclusion – The leaves of Ficus exasperata exhibit, antispasmodic and antidiarrhea properties.

KEY WORDS: Ficus exasperate, loperamide, charcoal meal, castor oil

INTRODUCTION: Nigerian forests are replete with over 45 different species of
ficus (keay and Onochie,1964). Some of them are ficus
Ficus exasperata goliath, ficusingens and ficuselastica. They are found in the
Life : embryopyta savanna, rainforest, beside rivers and streams. These are
Plants : angiosperms about 20 species of Ogun state of Nigeria out of which 7 are
Flowering plants: eudiocotyledons indigenous to Ago-Iwoye (keay and Onuchie,1964).
Order: rosales Vernicular names
Family: moraceae Forest sandpaper fig, forest sandpaper tree, sandpaper tree,
Genus: ficus sandpaper leaf tree, white fig tree (En). Papier de verre (Fr).
Subgenus: sycidiumFicus is the largest genus in the family Msasa, mkuyu (Sw),ewe ipin(Yoruba), opoto(calabar),
of moraceae with 800 species occurring in the warmer parts Anwulinwa(Igbo)
of the world, chiefly in indomalya and Polynesia.

Received on 19.03.2012 Accepted on 31.03.2012
© Asian Pharma Press All Right Reserved
Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2(1): Jan.-Mar. 2012; Page 26-32

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Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2012; Vol. 2: Issue 1, Pg 26-32 [AJPSci.]

Origin and geographic distribution wounds, leprous sores, fungal infections, itching, oedema,
Ficusexasperata is widely distributed in tropical Africa, ringworm, rheumatism, and lumbar and intercostal pain.
from Senegal eastward to Ethiopia and Djibouti and The powder of the dried leaf is sprinkled on burns. The
southward to Mozambique and Angola. It also occurs in young leaf is chewed and swallowed in case of gastric
Yemen, India and Sri Lanka. ulcers. The leaf juice or a decoction of the leaf is applied as
Ethnobotanical Uses an enema for the treatment of stomach-ache, and as an
The rough leaves are widely used as sandpaper for antidote to poison. Decoctions of fresh or dried leaves are
polishing wooden, metal or ivory articles, such as kitchen taken for the treatment of diseases of the kidneys and
utensils, gourds, sticks, bows, spear shafts, chairs, boards urinary tract. Leaves cooked with bananas are eaten for the
and bracelets. treatment of gonorrhoea; the cooking water is drunk for the
The wood is used for making canoes, house posts, furniture, same purpose. In Nigeria a decoction or maceration of the
stools, utensils, containers and drums, and is also used as leaf is taken to lower blood pressure, and the fresh leaf is
fuel wood and for making charcoal. Young branches are used as an ingredient of preparations for the treatment of
used for making pipe stems. Although the leaf is sometimes heart diseases. Leaf preparations are taken for the treatment
recorded to be poisonous to goats and sheep, it is often fed of cough, colds, flu and asthma, and they are a mouthwash
to ruminants, especially in Ghana; Abbiws (1990). against thrush, inflammation of the gums and other mouth
In Nigeria the fresh leaf is locally added to oil palm fruits in and throat ailments. The head is rubbed with warmed leaves
the milling or pounding stage, to improve the quality and for the treatment of headache; tumours are also rubbed with
stability of the oil obtained. Ficus exasperata has been warmed leaves. In case of severe headache, the patient’s
planted as an avenue shade tree, and wild trees are head is washed with a decoction of the leaf. The leaf pulp
sometimes maintained as a shade tree in banana, coffee or diluted in water is credited with analgesic properties and
cocoa plantations; Shonibare MO et al (2003), Soforowa O applied for the treatment of eye ailments; water in which a
(1986) and Verdcourt B (1998). leaf has been shaken is used similarly. A maceration of the
Medicinal uses leaf is taken as an oxytocic, while a decoction or infusion of
Ficusexasperata is widely used in African traditional the leaf is drunk as an abortifacient. The abrasive leaf
medicine. Root decoctions are taken for the treatment of surface is used to scarify the skin to promote penetration of
urinary tract ailments, gonorrhoea, asthma and tuberculosis medicines, and to scour the tongue and throat for the
Ndukwe KC et al (2005), Nimenibo-uadua(2003) and treatment of mouth and throat ailments. The leaf is also
Palambo EA (2006). The root is chewed in case of cough. used to scratch itching parts of the body and is ingested for
The root bark is used against eye problems. The body is mechanical treatment of diarrhoea and intestinal worms.
rubbed with root scrapings as a tonic. In Ghana the root is The fruit is eaten against cough and venereal diseases.
an ingredient in a prescription to expel worms. Wood ash or Powder of the dried fruit is added to porridge for the
charcoal is applied on lesions caused by leprosy. Sap from treatment of sterility in women. Water with seed powder is
the stem bark is used for the treatment of wounds, sores, drunk as a tonic in case of fever Acharya et al (2008) and
abscesses, eye ailments, stomach-ache and for the removal Adebayo (2009a).
of spines, but some traditional healers consider it corrosive In veterinary medicine a decoction of the bark is given to
to the skin and dangerous to ingest. The ash of burnt stem cows to hasten expulsion of the afterbirth. The stem bark
bark is sprinkled on wounds. Decoctions of the bark are and the leaf are ingredients of arrow-poisons. In Nigeria a
taken against worms, haemorrhoids and abnormal maceration of the leaf is sprayed on crops against insect
enlargement of the spleen. They are also used as ingredients attack.
in the treatment of heart problems. A tisane or decoction of Properties
the bark is taken to relieve cough. A cold bark extract is Although the leaves are widely used as sandpaper, they are
drunk in case of dizziness. A maceration of the bark with not as abrasive and strong as commercial sandpaper.
Sennaoccidentalis (L.) Link and Setariamegaphylla (Steud.) Reports on the wood properties are contradictory. The fibre
T.DurandandSchinz is taken to facilitate childbirth or to length of wood from Nigeria is 1.5–2.2 mm, with a
heal gonorrhoea. Sap from the bark is used to halt bleeding. diameter of 21.5–23.5 m, a lumen diameter of 11–13 m
Scrapings from the bark are made into an embrocation with and a cell wall thickness of 4–7 m. The inclusion of
stimulant and tonic properties. The stem bark is locally Ficusexasperata leaves in the processing of oil palm
applied on the body for the treatment of malaria. A resulted in better stabilization of the oil in Nigeria. The anti-
maceration of the young shoot is drunk as an emetic; oxidant activities were enhanced whereas saponins, where
Hassan SSet al (2009) and Katende AB et al (1995). A present, were eliminated and sterols reduced.
decoction of the leafy shoot is taken for the treatment of Aqueous extracts of the leaf showed in-vivo gastrointestinal
dysentery. The leafy shoot is used in preparations applied protective effects, diuretic activity and lipid-lowering
externally against jaundice or drunk as a diuretic. Leaf pulp effects in rats, and hypotensive effects in rabbits. At higher
or sap is externally applied for the treatment of rash, concentrations they stimulated contractions of the isolated
rat uterus, whereas at lower concentrations they inhibited
oxytocin-induced uterine contractions. An ethansolic

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extract of the leaf showed in-vivo analgesic and anti- Genetic resources
inflammatory activity and weak antipyretic activity in mice, In view of its wide distribution, occurrence in secondary
chicks and rats, respectively. Methanolic plant extracts have vegetation and ability to persist in cleared land,
shown in-vitro antitumour activity and inhibition against Ficusexasperata seems not threatened by genetic erosion.
trypsin activity. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaf However, local over-exploitation has been recorded, for
did not show any toxicity in various bioassays. Aqueous instance in central Uganda, where wild trees are logged for
and methanolic extracts were inactive against several gram- making drums and on-farm planting of the tree is
negative and gram-positive bacteria. A compound with recommended.
nematicidal activity, 5-methoxysporalen, has been isolated Prospects
from the leaf. The content was six times higher in young Ficusexasperata is widely used as local source of sandpaper
leaves than in mature leaves. and as a medicinal plant. Its role as a source of sandpaper is
It is also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, unlikely to go beyond local use, because of the availability
haemostativeopthalamia and coughs. of commercial sandpaper, which is more abrasive and
Description stronger. However, the plant may become more important
Small to medium sized tree, stem without aerial roots, as a source of medicine, as various extracts have shown
sometimes buttressed in very large specimens; bark grey to anti-ulcer, hypotensive, lipid-lowering, analgesic, anti-
whitish, smooth with a watery sometimes amber coloured inflammatory and antipyretic activity; Buniyamin AA et al
sap, leaves alternate, stiff and leathers ovate - ellipticus, up (2007) and Gbile ZO et al (1993).
to 14 -75cm larger and broader in deeply shaped specimen,
its veined from the base mid green above, pale and with MATERIALS AND METHOD:
conspicuous yellow veining below, very rough to the touch
on both surfaces; figs singly in pairs, pedunculate on the DRUGS AND CHEMICALS
wood of last year’s bare branches, its depressed spherically Loperamide
with the surface rough to the touch orange red when ripe. Atropine
Note before derivation of specific name: exasperata; rough, Charcoalmeal
covered with short hard points. Castor oil
Ethanol

Growth and development MATERIALS and
The fig is not a fruit but a fruit-like structure (syconium) Miller (Thomas Laboratory Mill, U.K)
developed from an inside-out flower stalk containing many Mechanical Weighing Balance (Ohaus, Poland)
flowers inside. Ficusexasperata trees are either female, with Electronic Weighing Balance (Gulfes Mediqal
inflorescences bearing long-styled female flowers, or Scientific, England)
hermaphrodite, with inflorescences bearing male and short- Filter Paper (No. 1 Whatman)
styled female flowers (gall flowers). The hermaphrodite White Clean Handkerchief (as porcelin cloth)
trees are functionally male, because sthe contents of their Rotary Evaporator (Fulton, china)
pollinated ovaries are consumed by wasp larvae, and they Oven (Harris, England)
do not produce seeds. Ficusexasperata is pollinated by the Mechanical shaker (Surgifrend, England)
wasp Kradibiagestroi, which lays eggs in the short-styled Beaker (10ml, 25ml, 50ml, 500ml capacities)
female flowers, but cannot lay eggs in the long-styled Cotton wool
flowers of the female trees. Fruiting is usually in the dry Hand gloves
season, in Ghana in December–March. Brewer’s Yeast
Ecology Syringes and Needle (1ml, 2ml, 5ml)
Ficusexasperata occurs from sea level up to 2300 m altitude
in forest, often at edges, in secondary vegetation, in rocky COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION
places and along rivers, sometimes persisting in cleared Young fresh leaves of Ficus exasperata were got from
land. It is also found in abandoned fields and along roads. Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra
Propagation and planting State in July 2011, during the rainy season and was
Ficusexasperata can be propagated by seed and cuttings. identified by Dr. Ezugwu, Department of Pharmacognosy,
Wildlings are also used. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria,
Management Nsukka.
After having been cut, trees regenerate through sprouting
from the stump. EXTRACTION
Fresh leaves of Ficus exasperata were dried in ambient
temperature until the weight which was measured at
intervals was about the same. The dried leaves were
pulverized using laboratory miller, 250g of the powder was
macerated in 500ml of ethanol in a beaker which was

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placed on a mechanical shaker for 48 hours. The extract Fehling’s Test
was filtered using clean white handkerchief, then the filtrate To 5ml of the filtrate was added 5ml of Fehling’s solution
was further filtered using No.1 Whatman filter paper. The (equal parts of 1 and 2) and the mixture heated. A reddish
filtrate was concentrated using rotary evaporator. The precipitate indicated the presence of saponins further
extract was stored in the refrigerator for future use. heating with sulphuric acid produce a brick red precipitate.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING Test For Tannins
Using the methods of Odebiyi and Soforowa (1978) , About 0.5g of the extract was boiled with 25ml of water,
Harbourne (1984) and Evans (2002), preliminary filtered and used for the following test.
phytochemical analysis of the plant extract was carried out Ferric Chloride Test
to confirm the presence of secondary metabolites. To 3ml of the filtrate was added few drops of ferric chloride
Test For Alkaloids solution. A greenish black precipitate indicates the
20mls of 5% sulphuric acid in 50% ethanol was added to presence of tannins
about 2g of the methanolic extract and heated on a boiling Lead Sub Acetate Test
water bath for 10minutes,cooled and filtered. 2ml of the Few drops of lead sub acetate were added to 3mls of the
filtrate was tested with a few drops of Mayer’s, filtrate. A clean precipitate appearing would interfere with
Dragendroff’s, Wagner’s reagent and 1% picric acid. The the presence of tannins.
remaining filtrate was placed in 100ml separating funnel Test For Flavonoids
and made alkaline with dilute ammonia solution. The 5ml of ethyl acetate were added to 0.1g of the extract and
aqueous alkaline solution was separated and extracted with heated on a water bath for 3 minutes. The mixture was
two 5ml portion of dilute sulphuric acid. The Mayer’s, cooled, filtered and the filtrate used for the following test.
Dragendroff’s, Wagner’s and picric acid respectively. The Ammonium Test
extract gave milky, brick red, reddish brown and yellow About 2ml of the filterate was shaken with 1ml of dilute
precipitate with one drop each of the reagents and therefore ammonia solution. The layer were allowed to separate and
showing the presence of alkaloid. the yellow colour in the ammoniacal layer indicates the
Test For Glycosides presence of flavonoids.
Fehling’s Test Test For Resins
About 5ml of a mixture of equal part of Fehling’s solution The plant extract was dissolved in 3ml acetone and 3ml
of the extract, dissolved in water and then heated or a water concentrated hydrochloric acid was added. This mixture
bath for few five minutes. A brick red precipitate shows the was heated in a water bath for 30 munites. A pink colour
presence of glycosides. which changes to red indicates the presence of resins.
Hydrolysis Test Test for steroids and triterpenoids
About 5ml dilute sulphuric acid were added to about 0.1g of About 9 ml of ethanol was added to 1 g of the extract it
leave extract in a test tube and boiled for 15 minutes in a was refluxed for a few minutes and filtered. The filtrate was
water bath, then cooled and neutralized with 20% potassium concentrated on a boiling water bath. 5 ml of hot distilled
hydroxide solution. 10ml of a mixture of equal parts of water was added to the concentrated solution, the mixture
Fehling’s solution 1 and 2 were added and boiled for was allowed to stand for 1 hour and the waxy matter was
15minutes. A brick red precipitate indicates the presence filtered off. The filtrate was extracted with 2.5 ml of
of glycosides. chloroform using separating funnel. To 0.5 ml of the
Test For Saponin chloroform extract in a test tube was carefully added 1 ml
About 20ml of water was added to 0.25g of the methanolic of conc. H2SO4 to form a lower layer. A reddish brown
extract of the leave in 100ml beaker and boiled gently on a interface shows the presence of steroids. 0.5 ml of the
water bath for two minutes. The mixture was filtered hot chloroform was evaporated to dryness on a water bath and
and allowed to cool and the filtrates used for the following heated with 3 ml of the concentrated sulphuric acid for 10
tests. minute on a water bath. A grey color indicates the presence
Frothing Test of terpenoids.
About 5ml of the filtrate was diluted with 20ml of water Animals
and shaken vigorously. A stable froth upon standing White albino rats (219-262.5) of either sex obtained from
indicates the presence of saponins. the animal house of the Department of Pharmacology and
Emulsion Test Toxicology of Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers
To the frothing solution was added two drops of olive oil State were used for this study. All the animals were housed
and the content shaken vigorously. The formation of
emulsion indicates the presence of saponins.

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under standard environmental conditions while in the induced by single 1ml of castor oil was administered to
animal house and also had free access to food and water. each rat orally. The number of wet and solid faeces
Pharmacological test produced by the animals in each groups were counted from
Acute toxicity test -The LD50 was carried out using the 1hr to the next 4hrs after diarrhea induction. The total
method employed by Lorke(1983). weight of wet faeces and total weight of solid faeces were
It involves a total of 12 mice. This test was carried out in also determined after the 4th hour. The % diarrhea inhibition
two phases. Phase 1 employed a total of 9 mice. They were was calculated using the relation 100-(x/y x 100). Where x=
grouped into 3 groups of 3mice per group. Group i received treated group 4th hour no of wet faeces. y=negative control
10mg/kg of the extract. Group ii received 100mg/kg, while 4th hour no. of wet faeces.
Group iii received 1000mg/kg. All the administration was ANTISPASMODIC ACTIVITY
by interperitoneal (i.p.) route. The animals were constantly Groups of three rats each were treated as outlined:
monitored for the next 4 hrs, Then intermittently for the Group 1-0.5ml of distilled water
next 6hrs.Then over a period of 24hrs.The number of dead Group 2-1mg of atropine intraperitoneally
animals were noted. From the result got in the first phase, Group 3-50mg/kg of extract
the second phase was carried out. In this phase, A total of Group 4-100mg/kg of extract
4mice were used. They were grouped into 4 groups of 1 Group 5-200mg/kg of extract
moucee per group. Group 1 received 2000mg/kg of the The animals were starved for 18hrs prior to this experiment.
extract, group II received 3000mg/kg, group III received All the animals were given orally 1ml of 3% deactivated
4000mg/kg, while group IV received 5000mg/kg. The charcoal in the tragacanth mucilage. Immediately after the
animals were monitored for another 24hrs for any death. administration, the drugs were administered orally.30mins
STATISICAL ANALYSIS after administration, all the animals in each group were
Results were expressed as mean ±S.E.M. The data were sacrificed, dissected and the intestine were cut out and the
analyzed using one way analysis of variance followed by distance the charcoal travelled from the stomach to the
dunnett’s post hoc test. Results are considered slightly ceacum were measured using meter rule and were expressed
significant when (P<0.005) and extremely significant as percentage to the total length.
(p<0.001).
ANTIDIARRHOEA ACTIVITY RESULTS:
Groups of three rats each received the following treatment
as outlined: Antispasmodic activity of the extract was carried out which
Group 1-0.5ml - distilled water was compared with standard drug using charcoal meal
Group 2-2mg - loperamide method. The extract was found to be effective in controlling
Group 3-50mg/kg - extract intestinal motility and infact 1mg/kg atropine was as
Group 4-100mg/kg - extract effective as 200mg/kg of the extract.
Group 5-200mg/kg - extract
This test was carried out using the method employed by Summarizes the results obtained in the experimental model
Adeyemi and Akindele(2008) and AOAC (1984/1975) of castor oil-induced diarrhoea. The ethanolic extract of
using animal model. The animals were given treatment as Ficus exasperata significantly (p<0.01) inhibited the
outlined above, one hour after treatment, diarrhea was frequency as well as the severity of the diarrhoea. On oral
administration of castor oil and following the course of
observation for 4hrs, all the rats in the control group
(distilled water 0.5ml) produced copious diarrhoea.

Results of Antispasmodic Activity
Mean ± SEM

Group Agent anddose Distance traveled by clinical (cm) Total length of the intestine % distance traveled by
50±3.55 (cm) charcoal
1 0.5 distilledH2O 80.0±3.13 91.0±2.37 87.91
2 10mg/kg atropine 68.7±4.70 95±2.63 84.21
3 50mg/kg extract 14.7±2.05 113±2.63 60.79
4 100mg/kg extract 70±1.52 88.5±3.14 15.81
5 200mg/kg extract 83.0±3.14 84.33

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Results for antidiarrhoea activity

Gro Dose No. of solid faeces No. of wet faeces Weig Wei Total % diarrhoea
up and ht of ght weight inhibition
agent solid of of
1hr 2hrs 3hrs 4hrs 1hr 2hrs 3hrs 4hrs faeces wet faeces

(g) faec (g)
es(g)

1 0.5mg 4.0± 5.0± 5.0± 5.0± 4.0± 9± 11±0. 12.0± 0.61 5.36 5.92 0 5.31 5.92
distille 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 50 1.00
d H20
2 2mg/kg * * * * * * ** ** ** ** 1.74 83.3 1.16 1.74
lopera 0.0± 0.0± 0.0± 0.0± 1.0± 2.0. 2.0.± 2.0. 0.11 1.63
mide 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 ±2.00 2.00 ±2.00
3 50mg/k * * * * * Ns 5± * * ** ** 3.84 33.3 3.68 3.84
g 1.0± 1.0± 1.0± 1.0± 1.0± 0.00 6.0± 8.0± 0.16 3.68
extract 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 0.50 1.00
4 100mg/ * Ns Ns Ns Ns * * * * * 2.38 75.0 2.14 2.38
kg 1.0± 3.0± 3.0± 3.0± 1.0± 3.0± 3.0± 3.0± 0.24 2.14
extract 0.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
5 200mg/ * * * * * * ** ** ** ** 1.93 75.0 1.80 1.93
kg 0.0± 0.0± 1.0± 1.0± 3.0. 3.0. 3.0± 3.0± 0.13 1.80
extract 0.00 0.0 0.50 0.50 ±0.0 ±0.00 0.00 0.00
0

Ns not significant (P>0.05) (p<0.05)
* Slightly significant
** Extremely significant (p>0.001)
For % inhibition = 100-(x/y ×100)
Where x=treated group 4thhr no. of wet faeces
y= negative control group 4thhr no. of wet faeces
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