Studies on the antidiarrhoeal activity of Aegle marmelos unripe fruit: Validating its traditional usage

Abstract

BackgroundAegle marmelos (L.) Correa has been widely used in indigenous systems of Indian medicine due to its various medicinal properties. However, despite its traditional usage as an anti-diarrhoeal there is limited information regarding its mode of action in infectious forms of diarrhoea. Hence, we evaluated the hot aqueous extract (decoction) of dried unripe fruit pulp of A. marmelos for its antimicrobial activity and effect on various aspects of pathogenicity of infectious diarrhoea.MethodsThe decoction was assessed for its antibacterial, antigiardial and antirotaviral activities. The effect of the decoction on adherence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and invasion of enteroinvasive E. coli and Shigella flexneri to HEp-2 cells were assessed as a measure of its effect on colonization. The effect of the decoction on production of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) and cholera toxin (CT) and their binding to ganglioside monosialic acid receptor (GM1) were assessed by GM1-enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay whereas its effect on production and action of E. coli heat stable toxin (ST) was assessed by suckling mouse assay.ResultsThe decoction showed cidal activity against Giardia and rotavirus whereas viability of none of the six bacterial strains tested was affected. It significantly reduced bacterial adherence to and invasion of HEp-2 cells. The extract also affected production of CT and binding of both LT and CT to GM1. However, it had no effect on ST.ConclusionThe decoction of the unripe fruit pulp of A. marmelos, despite having limited antimicrobial activity, affected the bacterial colonization to gut epithelium and production and action of certain enterotoxins. These observations suggest the varied possible modes of action of A. marmelos in infectious forms of diarrhoea thereby validating its mention in the ancient Indian texts and continued use by local communities for the treatment of diarrhoeal diseases.

Studies to determine antidiarrhoeal and spasmolytic activities of extract of Aegle marmelos. L fruit

“…The unripe fruit of A. marmelos being an astringent, is said to be an excellent remedy for diarrhoea, due to tannin or mucilaginous substance 10 however, literature lacks the experimental evidence of tannin as an antidiarrhoeal agent. Brijesh 11 reported limited antibacterial activity of unripe fruit. Phytochemical studies of the fruit have revealed some bioactive compounds like: marmelosin, aureptin, psoralen, luvangetin, marmelide and tannin.…”

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

“…Brijesh et al have studied the antidiarrhoeal activity of A. marmelos and have suggested that its antimicrobial activity is due to the presence of tannins and flavonoids. 7 The in-vitro bactericidal activity of P. granatum peels has been reported by several researchers. 22,23 Clinical trials have also been conducted with P. granatum extracts but have mainly focused on oral bacteria.…”

“…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.…”

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

“…Prostaglandins are associated with changes in the bowel that stimulate diarrhea. Recent study shows that the laxative effect of ricinoleic acid present in castor oil is due to the induction of contraction of intestinal smooth muscle which is mediated by activation of EP3 receptors on intestinal smooth-muscle [21] . Many anti-diarrheal agents act by reducing the gastrointestinal motility and/or the secretions.…”