Antidiarrheal Activity of the Aqueous Extract ofPunica granatum. (Pomegranate) Peels

Abstract

The antidiarrheal effects of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) peels were evaluated in rats. Studies were carried out on the isolated rat ileum, gastrointestinal motility in vivo, and on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous movement of the isolated rat ileum and attenuated acetylcholine-induced contractions. The extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg=kg) also caused a dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transit and markedly protected rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea enteropooling. The intraperitoneal injection LD 50 of the extract was found to be 1321AE15 mg=kg in mice. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum peels gave positive tests for tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum peels may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhea, and this may be the basis for its traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders.

Assessment of the antidiarrhoeal properties of the aqueous extract and its soluble fractions of Chebulae Fructus (Terminalia chebula fruits)

“…It is well known that the active component (ricinoleic acid) of castor oil irritates the small intestine leading to increased secretion of fluid and electrolytes and speed intestinal transit (Qnais et al 2007). Hence, for initial identification of active fractions, castor oil-induced diarrhoea model was used.…”

“…The methods reported by Qnais et al (2007) and Mehmood et al (2011) were used in this study. Thirty mice were fasted for 18 h before beginning the experiments and randomly divided into five groups with six in each.…”

Studies on the anti–diarrheal properties of leaf extract of Desmodium puchellum

“…After 1 h of castor oil received, the rats were sacrificed and the small intestine from the pylorus to the caecum was isolated. Then the intestinal contents were weighed and volume measured by graduated tube [10,11] .…”

Evaluation of the effects of Aegle marmelos and Punica granatum in an experimental model of gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction

“…6 The unripe fruit of A. marmelos and the fruit rind of P. granatum have been studied by researchers for the prevention of diarrhoeal disorders. 7,8 However no scientific reports demonstrating the effect of these agents on the gastrointestinal barrier are available. We therefore planned the current study to investigate the effects of A. marmelos and P. granatum in an experimental model of gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction.…”