The Anti-Diarrheal Effects of Whole Plant Extracts Of Viola Betonicifolia Against Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhea in Pigeons

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is an important health problem, especially in developing areas, and is a major morbidity and mortality worldwide. Natural products have long been considered to be a backbone of therapeutic systems and plant-based medicines an alternative to the conventional anti-diarrheal drugs that have unwanted side effects. Viola betonicifolia Sm. Arrow-leaved violet or Banafsha (Roxburghia fistulosa (Roxb.) Bedd. syn. (Violaceae)) has a rich phytochemical profile, which includes alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and phenolic compounds with reported gastrointestinal modulating activity. The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of aqueous extract of V. betonicifolia (VBAE) on castor oil-induced diarrhea in pigeons.

 Methodology: Pigeons of either sex (250-350g) were split into groups (n=8). VBAE was injected intramuscularly at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg; Loperamide (0.2 mg/kg) and Metronidazole (7 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Six millilitres (6 mL/kg) of castor oil (PO) was administered for inducing diarrhea. Anti-diarrheal parameters were measured for 6 h, and first stool time, latency to first stool, number of stools, number of watery stools and stool weight were measured. The gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal was carried out to assess intestinal motility, and the peristaltic index was determined as the percent of charcoal meal in the small intestine.

Results: VBAE exhibited considerable dose dependent anti-diarrheal activity. VBAE at 200mg/kg significantly extended the first stool time (p<0.01), caused a highly significant increase in the latency period to first stool (p<0.001) and significantly reduced the number of stools (p<0.05) and number of watery stools (p<0.05) and highly significantly reduced stool weight (p<0.001) compared with negative controls. The anti-diarrheal activity was similar to that of standard anti-diarrheal drugs Loperamide and Metronidazole.

CONCLUSIONS: The aqueous extract of Viola betonicifolia has a prominent dose dependent anti-diarrheal effect against castor oil induced diarrhea and hence its traditional use in gastrointestinal disorders is validated scientifically. The anti-diarrheal effect is possibly based on the strong phytochemical composition of the plant, which inhibits intestinal motility, suppresses the secretion of fluids and regulates electrolyte balance.