A study of the antidiarrheal properties of Loeselia mexicana on mice and rats

Antidiarrheal properties of hexane, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts from Loeselia mexicana were studied using mice and rats as animal models. Flavones and sesquiterpenlactones were detected in the chemical screening of the aqueous extract. Diarrhea was induced by castor oil or MgSO4. The methanol extract diminished diarrhea in mice induced by MgSO4, while the aqueous extract showed an effect on castor-oil-induced. The aqueous extract also reduced castor-oil-enhanced intestinal transit and inhibited defecation of normal mice. The results obtained showed a symptomatic relief of diarrhea.