Evaluation of anti-diarrhoeal properties of methanolic Root extract of Piliostigma reticulatum in rats

Piliostigma reticulatum (DC) Hoechst (Leguminosae) is an evergreen shrub reputed to possess a number of medicinal properties. The methanolic extract of Piliostigma reticulatum root (Leguminosae) was evaluated for anti-diarrhoeal activity in rats using castor oilinduced diarrhoea and fluid accumulation and activated charcoal test models. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, glycosides, saponins, sterols, alkaloid and balsam. The extract (at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg) and atropine (3 mg/kg) significantly inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhoea (53.5 72.1%) and fluid accumulation (35.17 71.03%) and small intestinal transit (9.38 21.74%) in the rats. The results obtained in this study revealed that the extract has remarkable anti-diarrhoeal effect, which may be due to the presence of the tannins, alkaloids and saponins constituents and can thus be used in the treatment of non-specific diarrhoea. Keywords :Piliostigma reticulatum, Anti-diarrhoeal activity, Rat, Gastrointestinal tract. JOPAT Vol. 12 2007: pp. 44-50