Studies on Anti-diarrheal Activity of Cassia sieberiana in Mice
Madubuike G. Kelechi *
Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Onyeacholam O. Favour
Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Purpose: Cassia sieberiana (Fabaceae), is one plant that has been reported to possess numerous pharmacological activities. The purpose of this study is to scientifically investigate its anti-diarrheal property.
Methods: The anti-diarrheal activity of the methanol extract of Cassia sieberiana leaves was evaluated in mice following various experimental models: Castor oil – induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal motility test and castor oil – induced enteropooling. A standard anti-diarrheal agent, loperamide was used as reference.
Results: Different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the number of wet fecal droppings in the castor oil – induced diarrhea, and also inhibited the propulsion of charcoal meal plug through the gastrointestinal lumen. All doses of the extract also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the castor oil induced enteropooling. The actions of the extract were dose – related and comparable to the actions of loperamide, the standard drug. The extract did not evoke any sign of acute toxicity in mice at the doses tested; thus it was well tolerated by the mice.
Conclusion: The results suggest that C. sieberiana possess potent anti-diarrheal effect which validates its use as a non – specific regimen for treating diarrhea in traditional medicine.
Keywords: Cassia sieberiana, extract, diarrhea, castor oil, loperamide, mice