Antidiarrheal Activity of Lithocarpus dealbata. and Urena lobata. Extracts: Therapeutic Implications

Abstract

This study reports the antidiarrheal potential of Lithocarpus dealbata. (Miq.) Rehder (Fagaceae) and Urena lobata. L. (Malvaceae) used in the traditional medicine system of the Naga tribes of in India. The antidiarrheal efficacies of the seed extract of L. dealbata. and leaf extract of U. lobata. were evaluated in murine models by three different approaches: (i) castor oil–induced diarrhea, (ii) PGE₂-induced enteropooling, and (iii) small intestinal transit. The 800 mg/kg dose of methanol extracts of both plants showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibitor activity against castor oil–induced diarrhea and PGE₂-induced intrafluid accumulation. Both extracts also showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test. Acute toxicity tests did not reveal any sign of toxicity in the animals. The observed results could explain their use as antidiarrheal agents in traditional medicine.

Keywords:

• Antidiarrheal activity
• folklore medicines
• India
• Lithocarpus dealbata
• Naga tribe
• Urena lobata