Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Adansonia digitata Fruit Pulp in Rats

Abstract

The antidiarrhoeal activity of ethanolic extract of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp was evaluated in rats. Studies were investigated on castor oil –induced diarrhoea, castor oil induced fluid accumulation and electrolyte secretion. Adansonia digitata was orally administered to rats at dose rate of 250 and 500mg/kg and Loperamide was used at 3mg/kg as reference antidiarrhoeal drug.The extract produced a dose dependant and significantly protected rats against castor oil induced diarrhoea. The frequency of defecation as well as weight of the feces was significantly (p>0.05) reduced.A preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of A. digitata revealed the presence of, flavonoids, saponins, tannins triterpenes, alkaloids and glycosides.