Shalini Adiga,Shivkumar Reddy, Ashok.M Department of Pharmacology

Kasturba Medical College,

Manipal University, Manipal.India

.

IntroductionDiarrhoea is increased fluidity, volume or

frequency of bowel movementsAccording to WHO, it is the one of the most

common cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries

Taxus baccata has been used used in the traditional medicine for asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, high fever, diarrhea , indigestion, and epilepsy.

This herb has been scientifically evaluated for antidiarrheal activity .

.

Objective

To investigate the anti-diarrhoeal activity of the T.baccata powderd leaves alcoholic extract

in castor oil-induced diarrhoeaBy charcoal meal test

Methodology The study was approved by IAEC, KMC, Manipal Animals: Male inbred albino rats of Wistar strain, weighing 200g- 250g fasted for 24 hrs were used. Two sets of 4 gps of rats (6 in no) was treated with respective drug orally.

Sl.No GROUPS

1 Normal Control –water

2 Loperamide -3mg/kg

3 Extract – 100mg/kg

4 Extract – 200mg/kg

Experimental diarrhoea

After 30 min 1 ml of castor oil was administerd orally to all the groups

the frequency of defecation and weight of faecal matter was noted up to 4 h in the transparent cages with an absorbent paper sheet placed at the base

Intestinal fluid - Rats anesthetised 60 min later by inhalation of ether. The intestine from pylorus to cecum dissected and contents measured

Effect of alcoholic extract of Taxus baccata on Castor Oil Induced Diarrhoea in Ratsgroups Mean Weight of

faeces after 4hrsPercent protection

control 30.00 ±0.57Loperamide -2mg/kg

12.75±0.30* 65.50%

Extract -100mg/kg 18.41± 3.21* 38.63%Extract -200mg/kg 15.33± 0.24* 48.90%

*P < 0.05 statistically (Mean±SEM) significant from control group (n=6)

Effect of alcoholic extract of Taxus baccata on castor oil induced Enteropooling in Rats

groups Mean volume of intestinal fluid (ml) ± SEM

% reduction

control 2.21 ± 0.11Loperamide -2mg/kg

0.85± 0.04* 75.56%

Extract -100mg/kg 1.73± 0.06 21.71%

Extract -200mg/kg 1.18± 0.05* 46.60 %

*P < 0.05 statistically (Mean±SEM) significant from control group (n=6

Charcoal meal test 24hrs fasted rats , treated with respective drugs

were administerd after 30 min orally 1 ml of 5% activated charcoal suspension . Rats anesthetised 30min later by inhalation of ether. Distance travelled by charcoal plug in the intestine measured and peristalitic index calculated.

Effect of taxus baccata leaf extract on gastrointestinal transitgroups peristalitic index

control 51.65± 0.96

Loperamide-2mg/kg 28. 75± 0.72*

Extract -100mg/kg 34.39± 1.65

Extract -200mg/kg 22.72± 0.62*

P < 0.05 statistically (Mean±SEM) significant from control group (n=6)

Discussion The Taxus buccata leaves extract inhibited the

castor oil induced diarrhea and reduced intestinal transit of charcoal

A dose dependent effect was seen and results were comparable to the standard drug loperamide.

The antisecretory and the antipropulsive effects could be sugested as the possible mechanism of the antidiarrheal activity

Conclusion

The study supports its use as antidiarrheal in herbal remedies.

Studies should be carried out for phytochemical evaluation of the active ingredients that promote antidiarrheal action.