Antisecretory and Spasmolytic Activities of Aqueous and Ethanolic Stem Bark Extracts of Nauclea diderrichii in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background. Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and particularly in developing countries. Nauclea diderrichii is a plant used in traditional medicine in the treatment of anemia, fever, gastric ulcer, malaria, abdominal pain, skin infections, and diarrhea. The present work is aimed at evaluating the antisecretory and spasmolytic activities of aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Nauclea diderrichii in Wistar rats. Methods. The effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nauclea diderrichii was tested at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg on castor oil-induced secretory diarrhea, misoprostol-induced fluid accumulation, and the effect of pretreatment with yohimbine and glibenclamide. They were also tested on normal motility and castor oil- and carbachol-induced hypermotility. Results. The results showed that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nauclea diderrichii significantly ( p < 0.001 ) inhibited castor oil-induced secretory diarrhea at all the doses. Both extracts significantly ( p < 0.001 ) inhibit fluid accumulation induced by misoprostol. The pretreatment with glibenclamide reduced the antidiarrheal activity of aqueous extract of Nauclea diderrichii. The pretreatment with yohimbine did not alter the effect of the aqueous extract of Nauclea diderrichii. On intestine transit as on castor oil- and carbachol-induced motility, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly ( p < 0.05 , p < 0.01 , and p < 0.001 ) the travelled distance by charcoal and peristaltic index. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nauclea diderrichii possess antisecretory and antispasmolytic properties hence its use in traditional medicine against diarrhea.

Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Activities of the 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Maesa lanceolata Forssk (Myrsinaceae) Leaves in Mice

“…For instance, the usual medication (atropine) employed in this trial inhibited the propulsive activity in the charcoal meal due to its anticholinergic action, lengthening intestinal transit time. 61 , 62 This prolongs the period that nutrients remain in the colon, delaying the absorption of gastrointestinal contents. This may also increase the absorption of water and electrolytes, reducing the watery texture of diarrheal stools.…”

“… 64 , 65 They also reduce the intracellular Ca2+ inward current and facilitate the calcium pumping mechanism, which has a spasmolytic and relaxing impact on smooth muscle. 62 Prostaglandin E2 synthesis and COX-2 expression, which are crucial components of inflammatory cascades, are inhibited by flavonoids. 64 Additionally, through the activation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and inhibition of the inward calcium current, flavonoids generate anti-motility action (97).…”