Studies on Anti-diarrheal Activity of Cassia sieberiana in Mice

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.