EVALUATION OF ANTIDIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF THE FRUIT-RIND OF PICRALIMA NITIDA (APOCYNACEAE)

Authors

  • Laure B. Kouitcheu Mabeku
  • Beng V. Penlap
  • J. Kouam
  • Bonaventure T. Ngadjui
  • Z. T. Fomum
  • F. X. Etoa

Keywords:

Picralima nitida, antidiarrhoeal activity, castor oil

Abstract

The methanol (M) extract of the fruit-rind of Picralima nitida (PN) (Apocynaceae) was tested for its anti-diarrhoeal activity. Like loperamide (3 mg/kg body weight), a single oral dose of PN-M (375, 750 mg/kg body weight) produced a significant decrease in the frequency of defecation and severity of diarrhoea. To understand the mechanism of its anti-diarrhoeal activity, its effect was further evaluated on intestinal transit; castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling) and electrolyte concentration in the small intestinal fluid. PN-M produced a decrease in intestinal transit (18.81-21.86%) as compared to castor oil treated animals. Unlike atropine, PN-M significantly inhibited castor oil-induced enteropooling. However it did not alter the electrolyte concentration in intestinal fluid as compared to castor oil treated rats.

Author Biographies

Laure B. Kouitcheu Mabeku

Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 812, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon,

Beng V. Penlap

Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 812, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon,.

J. Kouam

Phytochemistry Laboratory, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 812, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

Bonaventure T. Ngadjui

Phytochemistry Laboratory, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 812, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

Z. T. Fomum

Phytochemistry Laboratory, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 812, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

F. X. Etoa

Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, P. O. Box 812, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon,

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Published

2006-05-29

How to Cite

Kouitcheu Mabeku, L. B., Penlap, B. V., Kouam, J., Ngadjui, B. T., Fomum, Z. T., & Etoa, F. X. (2006). EVALUATION OF ANTIDIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF THE FRUIT-RIND OF PICRALIMA NITIDA (APOCYNACEAE). African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 3(4), 66–73. Retrieved from https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/135

Issue

Section

Research Papers

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