Antimotility effects of extracts and fractions of Eastern Nigeria mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antimotility activity of Eastern Nigerian mistletoe[Loranthus micranthus (L. micranthus) Linn] parasitic on six different host trees viz. Baphia nitida, Persia americana, Kola accuminata, Irvingia gabonensis, Citrus simensis and Pentacletra macrophylla (P. mycrophylla).MethodsThe antimotility of the methanol extracts and solvent fractions were evaluated in castor oil induced diarrheoa in rats.ResultsThe methanol extracts (200 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited defeacation significantly (P < 0.05) 4 h after administration (75.73% to 93.33%) more than that of atropine sulphate (2 mg/kg, i.p.) which inhibited defeacation by 80.0%. The methanol extract (200 mg/kg, i.p.) of L. micranthus parasitic on P. mycrophylla exhibited significant (P<0.05) inhibition in gastrointestinal transit (67.6%) more than that of atropine sulphate (2 mg/kg, i.p.) which inhibited gastrointestinal transit by 26.4%. The solvent fractions of L. micranthus parasitic on P. mycrophylla at dose levels of 150 mg/kg inhibited significantly the gastrointestinal transit of mice. Fraction F5 exhibited inhibitory activity which was comparable to loperamide (73.3%).ConclusionThe methanol extract of L. micranthus parasitic on P. macrophylla exhibits higher antimotility activity that other extracts. The solvent fractions could serve as source of novel antimotility agents.