In Vivo Anti-diarrheal Activity of Methanolic Extract of Streblus asper Leaves Stimulating the Na+/K+-ATPase in Swiss Albino Rats

Streblus asper Lour., traditionally used for anti-diarrheal effects as like dysentery and diarrhea. The present study aims to prove the anti-diarrheal activities of methanolic extract of leaves of S. asper in animal models. The anti-diarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhea models whereas anti-motility activities were investigated using gastrointestinal transit test examined in animal models. In castor oil-induced diarrhea model, methanolic extract of S. asper (MESA) at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg produced statistically significant (P < 0.001) decreased the number of diarrheal feces of rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea as well as magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhea model also showed the same manner. In gastrointestinal transit test, delayed gastric emptying time decreased significantly (P < 0.001), the propulsion of charcoal meal in the gastrointestinal tract which also showed a dose-dependent manner in rats. The recent study indicates that MESA possesses anti-diarrheal property. The findings represent a rational explanation for its use in traditional medicine for the management of diarrhea management.