Anti-diarrhea Potential and Acute Toxicity Studies of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Cymbopogon citratus against Castor Oil Induced Diarrhea Model in Rats.

Abstract
Diarrhea is a common cause of death in developing countries and second most common cause of infant mortality worldwide. The effect of a methanolic leaf extract of Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) on Castor oil-induced diarrhea was investigated. Fifty (50) rats between 120-227g were induced with castor oil for development of diarrhea. They were divided into two sub-groups of twenty-five (25) subsequently divided into five groups treated with 2 mg/kg loperamide, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively. The cumulative frequencies of wet and formed stools were noted on the 3rd - 6th hour. It was observed that 400 mg/kg body weight of the extracts reduced the fecal spots compared to 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight. Plant extracts were found to be non-toxic. The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract revealed the presence of some bioactive components which may be responsible for the anti-diarrhea properties observed in this study. The above findings suggested that the methanolic extracts contain active constituents that have anti-diarrhea activities that may lead to its use in treating diarrhea.
Description
Keywords
Ricimoliec acid, flavonoid, loperamide, phytochemical analysis, fecal spots
Citation
Okere Osheke Shekins, Sangodele Janet Olayemi, Tade Oluwatosin Grace, Obafemi Olabisi T, Falode John Adeolu. Anti-diarrhea Potential and Acute Toxicity Studies of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Cymbopogon citratus against Castor Oil Induced Diarrhea Model in Rats. International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review 2015 6(2): 46-52.