Abstract

ANTIDIARRHOEAL PROPERTIES OF THE ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF THE STEM BARK OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN L. (ANACARDIACEAE) IN RATS

Yao Bernard Diby*, Mama Kone, Moussa Gbogbo and Angoué Paul Yapo

ABSTRACT

The stem bark of Spondias mombin L. are used frequently in Côte d’Ivoire as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea. In this study, the antidiarrhoeal properties of a ethyl acetate extract from the stem bark of Spondias mombin L were evaluated in a castor oil-induced diarrhoea model in rat. Ethyl acetate extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight reduced the number, volume and weight of diarrhoeal faeces. To understand the mechanism of antidiarrhoeal activity of ethyl acetate extract, its effect was evaluated on intestinal transit, castor oil-induced fluid accumulation and electrolyte concentration in the intestinal fluid. Ethyl acetate extract produced a decrease in intestinal transit and an increase the absorption of the fluid secretion and electrolyte. This effect was similar to the loperamide, the standard agent. No mortality or visible signs of general weakness were observed in the rats following administration of ethyl acetate extract in doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight in an acute toxicity study. The results indicate that the ethyl acetate extract of Spondias mombin L. possesses antidiarrhoeal properties against diarrhoea and may explain the use in traditional medicine.

Keywords: Spondias mombin, antidiarrhoeal effect, ethyl acetate extract, castor oil, rat.