Evaluation of anti-diarrhoeal and anti-ulcerogenic potential of ethanol extract of Carpolobia lutea leaves in rodents

The effect of ethanol extract of Carpolobia lutea leaves on experimentally induced diarrhoea and ulcers was studied in rodents. The extract (245–735 mg/kg) inhibited small intestinal transit time (15.10–45.03%), castor oil-induced diarrhoea (25.69–43.54%) and fluid accumulation (7.53–34.15%), respectively, as well as indomethancin (47.64–79.79%) and ethanol-induced (65.63–89.65%) ulcer models. The various degrees of inhibitions were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins and flavonoids. Others include cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and terpenes. The median lethal dose (LD50) was determined to be 2449.49 mg/kg body weight. Though the mechanism of action of the extract may not be fully understood, the extract may in part be mediating its actions through its inhibitory effects on α2-adrenoceptor and cholinergic (anti-muscarinic receptor) systems or through the actions of its active metabolites.