Laxative Potential of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Securinega virosa in Loperamide Induced Constipated Wistar Rats
Abstract
Constipation is the inability of individuals to empty the bowel for a period of three times a week which causes discomfort and even sometimes lead to colorectal cancer. This work was aimed at estimating the laxative potential of ethanol leaf extract of Securinega virosa in constipated rats induced with loperamide. Experimental adult rats were induced with 3 mg/kg body weight of loperamide, while the normal control received normal saline solution. Upon confirmation of constipation, the rats were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of ethanol leaf extract of Securinega virosa for 7 days. Senokot was used as the reference drug. During the study period, faecal properties, feed intake, water intake, body weight gain and intestinal motility were recorded. The treatment of constipated rats with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight greatly improved the faecal properties, decreased body weight and elevated water intake statistically at p ≤ 0.05 as well as the gastrointestinal motility when compared with the constipated untreated experimental group. These proved the laxative effect of the plant, with the best dose being 200 mg of the extract. Thus these results evidenced the ethnobotanical usage of Securinega virosa in the treatment of constipation.
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