Evaluation of anti-diarrheal activity of Diospyros malabarica bark extract

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-diarrheal activity of the ethanolic extracts of Diospyros malabarica Kostel bark at concentration (200, 400 mg/kg) using different experimental model such as castor oil-induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal motility and enteropooling. The D. malabarica extract showed significant anti-diarrheal activity in a dose dependent manner. The results collectively demonstrate the D. malabarica could act by attributed to an anti-electrolyte permeability action, inhibit the PGE2 centrally and also anti-muscarinic activity to give anti-diarrheal effects. Result of charcoal meal test also suggested its anti-muscarinic activity. These findings indicate that ethanolic extract of the D. malabarica displays good anti-diarrheal activity, corroborating the folk use of D. malabarica preparations and contributing for its pharmacological validation.

Keywords

• Castor oil
• Diarrhea
• Diospyros malabarica