Evaluation of the Antidiarrhoeal Effects of Zizyphus spina-christi Stem Bark in Rats

Authors

B. Adzu
Samson Amos, Cedarville UniversityFollow
M. B. Amizan
K. Gamaniel

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2003

Journal Title

Acta Tropica

ISSN

0001-706X

Volume

87

Issue

2

First Page

245

Last Page

250

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0001-706x(03)00114-1

PubMed ID

12826300

Abstract

The antidiarrhoeal effects of the methanol extract of Zizyphus spina-christi stem bark were evaluated in laboratory rodents. Studies on castor oil induced diarrhoea, intraluminal fluid accumulation, and gastrointestinal transit time were carried out. Results obtained revealed that the extract caused a dose dependent protection of rats against castor oil induced diarrhoea, decreased the intraluminal fluid accumulation and gastrointestinal transit. The intraperitoneal and oral LD₅₀ values were found to be 346±5.6 and 1200±41.2 mg/kg in mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, resins, saponins, and tannins. It is suggested that the extract may contain biologically active components that may be useful against diarrhoea, thereby justifying its use in ethnomedical practice as an antidiarrhoeal agent.

Keywords

Zizyphus spina-christi, castor oil induced diarrhoea, castor oil induced fluid accumulation, gastrointestinal transit

Recommended Citation

Adzu, B.; Amos, Samson; Amizan, M. B.; and Gamaniel, K., "Evaluation of the Antidiarrhoeal Effects of Zizyphus spina-christi Stem Bark in Rats" (2003). Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications. 116.
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/pharmaceutical_sciences_publications/116