Abstract

LOPERAMIDE INDUCED CONSTIPATED WISTER RATS: LAXATIVE ROLE OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ACACIA ATAXACANTHA LEAVES

Tosan Charles Akapa*, Shakirideen Mayowa Obidola, Folashayo Opeyemi Philip

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The laxative activity of aqueous extract of acacia ataxacantha leaves (AEAAL) was evaluated against loperamide induced constipated rats. Methodology: Five male normal rats were used in this study. Fifty male constipated wistar albino rats weighing 156.30 ± 7.26 g were also used for the study and randomized into five groups (n = 5) in each of the experiments. Constipated control group rats received normal saline. Constipated rats (treatment groups) were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight/ day of the extract for ten days and senokot a standard drug was used for the reference group. The fecal properties, the water intake, feeding characteristics, laxative activity and gastrointestinal transit ratio were monitored. Results: Constipation was successfully induced in the rats by loperamide as seen in the elevated fecal properties compared to the normal control rats. The aqueous extract of acacia ataxacantha leaves administered orally produced significant laxative activity and reduced loperamide induced constipation in dose dependent manner as seen in the increase of fecal output. 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract showing the best efficacy. The same doses of the extract produced a significant increase (P < 0.05) of intestinal transit. The effect of the extract compares favourably well with senokot, a standard laxative drug. Conclusion: These findings have therefore, given a scientific explanation to the folkloric use of the herb as a laxative agent.

Keywords: Acacia ataxacantha, laxative, senokot, loperamide, constipated.