Antidiarrheal Activity of Leucaena Leucocephala in Castor Oil Induced Diarrhea in Albino Rats

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate scientifically the anti-diarrheal effects of different extracts of leaves of Leucaena leucocephala. Different extracts of Leucaena leucocephala like petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl acetate were studied against castor oil induced diarrhea model in albino rats. The weight of the fecal matter induced by castor oil induced diarrhea was recorded as the chief parameter. Standard drug loperamide (1 mg/kg, i.p.) showed highly significant reduction in fecal output and frequency of droppings whereas all leaves extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate) at the doses of 200 mg/kg p.o showed antidiarrheal activity; and among the extracts, the chloroform extract showed significant activity (P<0.01) and more reduction in the number of diarrhea stools and the reduction in the weight in comparison to the ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts. The reason for antidiarrheal activity might be due to presence of active constituents like tannins or flavonoids as presence of any of these constituents in many plants has contributed to the presence of antidiarrheal activity. Further studies are needed to completely understand the mechanism of anti-diarrheal action of Leucaena leucocephala.

Keywords: Leucaena leucocephala, anti-diarrheal activity, castor oil induced diarrhea, Subabul tree, Albino rats, Fabaceae

Cite this Article

Imadulla Baig, Veerashekar T., Shekshavali T., Eman Anjum, Nagaraja H.R., Ruchitha V. Antidiarrheal Activity of Leucaena Leucocephala in Castor Oil Induced Diarrhea in Albino Rats. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Drug Design & Discovery. 2020; 7(1): 8–12p.