Anti-diarrheal effects of Hibiscus platanifolius in rats.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Evaluation of anti diarrheal activities of ethanolic extract of hibiscus platanifolius in castor oil induced diarrhea in wistar albino rats
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Mortha Madhu Babu, Dr. I. Sudheer Babu and Y. Jyothi Krishna
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of anti diarrheal activities of ethanolic extract of hibiscus platanifolius in castor oil induced diarrhea in wistar albino rats
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20193-14364
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Diarrhea poses a significant health risk globally, particularly in developing countries, where it is a leading cause of malnutrition and mortality among children. The condition can arise from various factors, including infections by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, as well as drug reactions and food intolerances. The World Health Organization has initiated programs to combat diarrhea, focusing on the evaluation of traditional medical practices and health education. The study at hand evaluated the anti-diarrheal activity of Hibiscus platanifolius, a plant known for its potential medicinal properties, against diarrhea induced by castor oil in Wistar albino rats.
Efficacy of Hibiscus platanifolius
The study aimed to determine the anti-diarrheal efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Hibiscus platanifolius using two methods: castor oil-induced diarrhea and enteropooling methods. The rats were administered different dosages of the plant extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) alongside loperamide (a known anti-diarrheal agent) and saline as control. Significant reductions in the total number of feces and diarrheal feces were observed with the plant extract, confirming its anti-diarrheal potential. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract significantly decreased the incidence of diarrhea, displaying an inhibition percentage of 31.48% and 73.61% compared to the control group when treated with 200 mg/kg and loperamide, respectively.
Mechanism of Action
The anti-diarrheal effects of Hibiscus platanifolius may be attributed to its phytochemical constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which have known inhibitory effects on intestinal motility and secretions. Flavonoids, in particular, are thought to affect the secretion induced by prostaglandins and possess antioxidant properties, enhancing their ability to inhibit gut motility and fluid secretion. This biochemical profile suggests that the extract could work to stabilize intestinal function, thus providing a therapeutic avenue for managing diarrhea.
Toxicity Assessment
To ensure the safety of the plant extract, an acute toxicity study was conducted, with no significant adverse effects observed at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. This aspect of the study is crucial, as it indicates that the ethanolic extract of Hibiscus platanifolius may be safe for therapeutic use at the tested dosages. This finding reinforces the potential of the plant as a viable option in the management of diarrhea without considerable risk of toxicity.
Conclusion
The findings from this study underline the potential of Hibiscus platanifolius as an effective anti-diarrheal agent in Wistar albino rats, marked by significant reductions in both the total frequency of feces and the volume of intestinal content. The extract’s safety profile further supports its therapeutic use. Future studies could expand on this foundation by exploring the plant's mechanisms of action in greater detail and assessing its efficacy in human clinical trials, thereby contributing to its potential incorporation into traditional and modern medicine for diarrhea management.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Hibiscus platanifolius in treating diarrhea?
Hibiscus platanifolius is traditionally used for various disorders and has shown anti-diarrheal properties. It contains flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids that may inhibit intestinal motility and secretions, supporting its use in diarrhea treatment.
How was the anti-diarrheal activity of the extract tested?
The study evaluated the extract's anti-diarrheal effect through castor oil-induced diarrhea and enteropooling in rats. Two doses of the extract were administered, and the results were compared with control and standard medications.
What were the results of the extracts on diarrhea?
The ethanolic extract significantly reduced the total number of feces and diarrheal feces. At higher doses, it demonstrated a notable inhibition of diarrhea, indicating its potential anti-diarrheal activity.
What methods were used for extract preparation in the study?
The study prepared Hibiscus platanifolius extract through solvent extraction. Dried plant powder was subjected to soxhlet extraction using ethanol until the solvent color faded, followed by concentration and preservation.
What are the doses used for Hibiscus platanifolius extract in tests?
The study tested two doses of the ethanolic extract: 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight. These doses were compared with a control group and a standard anti-diarrheal medication.
What does the study conclude about Hibiscus platanifolius extract?
The study concludes that the ethanolic extract of Hibiscus platanifolius possesses anti-diarrheal activity. It effectively reduces feces and intestinal fluid volume, supporting its potential therapeutic use against diarrhea.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti-diarrheal effects of Hibiscus platanifolius in rats.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Castor:
Castor oil is a well-known laxative, and in this study, it is specifically utilized to induce diarrhea in laboratory rats. By administering castor oil, researchers can observe the anti-diarrheal effects of the ethanolic extract of Hibiscus platanifolius, measuring its potential benefits in counteracting the effects of diarrhea.
2) Animal:
The term 'animals' in this study encompasses the various male albino rats utilized for experimentation. By examining multiple animals, the research can establish broader, more reliable conclusions regarding the effectiveness of anti-diarrheal treatments, ensuring that the findings are statistically significant and applicable to similar biological systems.
3) Activity:
In the context of this research, 'activity' refers to the biological effects or therapeutic effects observed from the administration of the ethanol extract of Hibiscus platanifolius on castor oil-induced diarrhea. Activity measurement provides insights into how effective the extract is in mitigating symptoms compared to standard treatments like loperamide.
4) Madhu:
Madhu, specifically Mortha Madhu Babu, is one of the lead authors of the study. His name signifies his contribution to research, which aims to explore the medicinal properties of Hibiscus platanifolius. The involvement of recognized authors adds credibility to the findings and aligns them with ongoing pharmacological studies.
5) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. While the study focuses on anti-diarrheal properties, the text discusses concerns regarding antibiotic use in diarrhea cases, highlighting that some bacteria develop resistance, which complicates treatment and emphasizes the necessity for alternative medicinal approaches like herbal extracts.
6) Study (Studying):
'Study' encompasses the structured investigation outlined in the article. It describes the experimentation performed to assess the anti-diarrheal properties of Hibiscus platanifolius. This term encompasses methodology, observations, analyses, and results, indicating a scientific approach to gain empirical evidence regarding the plant’s medicinal benefits.
7) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties and therapeutic effects. In this study, flavonoids are highlighted as potential active constituents in the Hibiscus platanifolius extract, responsible for its anti-diarrheal effects by inhibiting intestinal motility and reducing secretions, thus potentially improving gastrointestinal health.
8) Disease:
The word 'disease' here refers to diarrhea, a significant health concern especially in developing countries. When studying the anti-diarrheal effects of Hibiscus platanifolius, researchers aim to address the underlying issues associated with this disease, providing insights that can lead to improved treatments and health outcomes.
9) Developing:
The mention of 'developing' countries highlights the geographical and socioeconomic context in which the discussed medical issues, particularly diarrhea, occur. Emphasizing the disparities in healthcare availability underscores the importance of researching natural remedies like Hibiscus platanifolius that could be economically viable and accessible in these regions.
10) Water:
The term 'water' is critical in the context of diarrhea as it relates to hydration and the impact of infected water sources on health. In the study, addressing the causes of diarrhea emphasizes the need for understanding how environmental factors contribute to disease, thus linking Hibiscus platanifolius to broader health discussions.
11) Babu:
Babu, as in Dr. I. Sudheer Babu, is another contributor to the research alongside Madhu. His involvement signifies collaboration within the scientific community, enhancing the research's expertise. This underscores the multidisciplinary nature of pharmacology and the necessity of diverse knowledge in researching effective treatments.
12) Bile:
Bile refers to the digestive fluid produced by the liver, which is significant in the study of diarrhea treatments. Bile-related malabsorption can lead to chronic diarrhea, and the text references therapeutic trials, indicating that understanding bile's role in digestion and absorption is critical for effective medical interventions.
13) Food:
The term 'food' relates to the dietary factors that can influence digestive health. In this study, controlling diet among experimental animals allows researchers to understand how dietary components interact with gastrointestinal disorders, reinforcing the significance of considering dietary habits when exploring anti-diarrheal properties of herbal extracts.
14) Cage:
The mention of 'cages' refers to the environments where the experimental animals are housed during the study. Cages facilitate controlled observation and data collection, ensuring that the experiment's conditions remain consistent while allowing for the assessment of the effects of herbal treatments on animal health.
15) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of science concerned with the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. This research delves into the pharmacological properties of Hibiscus platanifolius, assessing its potential as a natural remedy for diarrhea and expanding knowledge within the field regarding herbal medicine applications.
16) Transmission:
Transmission refers to how pathogens are spread, particularly in the context of contagious diseases like diarrhea. Understanding the transmission pathways of diarrhea-causing agents highlights the importance of preventive measures and effective treatments, stressing the role of natural remedies in combating infections linked to poor sanitation.
17) Container:
In this study, 'container' refers to the transparent plastic containers placed beneath cages to collect feces from rats. This allows researchers to accurately measure the amount of diarrheal output, leading to quantifiable data that informs the efficacy of the Hibiscus platanifolius extract in mitigating diarrhea.
18) Godavari (Go-davari):
Godavari is a reference to the geographic location related to the research, specifically West Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh, India. Mentioning specific regions grounds the study's findings in a broader local context, illustrating the potential traditional uses of Hibiscus platanifolius in local communities.
19) Toxicity:
Toxicity relates to the degree to which a substance can cause harm to organisms. The study evaluates acute toxicity to ensure the safety of Hibiscus platanifolius extract when administered to rats. Understanding toxicity is crucial in determining appropriate dosages for further investigations and potential human applications.
20) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes the systematic exploration of knowledge, emphasized in the context of this research. The study utilizes scientific methods to investigate the anti-diarrheal effects of Hibiscus platanifolius, underscoring the reliance on empirical evidence to support claims of medicinal efficacy and promote evidence-based treatments.
21) Andhra (Amdhra):
Andhra refers to the state in India where the research is conducted. The geographical context enriches the study by indicating local flora's potential significance in traditional medicine and the relevance of local plant species like Hibiscus platanifolius to community health challenges such as diarrhea.
22) India:
India is the country where this research was conducted, emphasizing the cultural relevance of medicinal plants in traditional healing practices. This geographical reference situates the study within a larger framework of herbal medicine, showcasing the importance of local resources in addressing health concerns like diarrhea.
23) Table:
The use of 'table' in the study refers to data representations summarizing experimental findings, including the effects of treatments. Tables consolidate complex results for easier comprehension, aiding in illustrating the efficacy of Hibiscus platanifolius extracts compared to control and standard medications, facilitating clearer scientific communication.
24) Death:
Mentioning 'death' in the context of diarrhea underscores the severity of this condition as a leading cause of mortality, particularly in developing countries. This emphasizes the urgency of research into effective treatments like the herbal extract being studied to mitigate health risks associated with diarrhea.
25) Drug:
Drug, in this context, refers to any substance used for medical purposes. This study assesses the efficacy of herbal extracts from Hibiscus platanifolius in comparison with known anti-diarrheal drugs like loperamide, contributing to the ongoing exploration of alternative treatments in pharmacology.
26) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is discussed as a context in which symptoms like diarrhea may be exacerbated due to treatment side effects. This highlights the importance of exploring diverse strategies, including botanical remedies, to alleviate gastrointestinal disturbances and improve the quality of life for patients undergoing such treatments.
27) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition is linked to diarrhea, particularly in developing countries where inadequate access to nutrition exacerbates health issues. The study on Hibiscus platanifolius aims to address this concern, showcasing the necessity of effective treatments in preventing malnutrition stemming from digestive disorders, particularly in vulnerable populations.
28) Discussion:
The 'discussion' section of the study refers to the analysis and interpretation of results, emphasizing their implications in the context of existing knowledge. This segment synthesizes findings, evaluates the significance of the results regarding anti-diarrheal activity, and suggests avenues for future research within herbal pharmacology.
29) Reflecting:
The term 'reflecting' relates to how the study sheds light on broader health issues such as diarrhea and malnutrition. Through exploration of Hibiscus platanifolius's medicinal properties, the research reflects a commitment to uncovering natural remedies that can address urgent health concerns in vulnerable populations.
30) Education:
Education emphasizes the importance of knowledge dissemination regarding health practices and preventive measures against diseases like diarrhea. The research invokes a need for increased awareness of herbs like Hibiscus platanifolius, promoting traditional medicine's role as an adjunct or alternative to conventional treatment approaches.
31) Tirupati (Thirupati, Tiruppati):
Tirupati refers to the location in India where the plant Hibiscus platanifolius was collected for the study. This geographical reference situates the research within a specific ecological and cultural framework, illustrating the connection between local biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices in the region.
32) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygienic refers to conditions that promote health and prevent disease spread. The study's emphasis on maintaining strict hygienic conditions while caring for experimental animals illustrates the importance of such practices in ensuring accurate research results and minimizing the risk of introducing confounding variables into experiments.
33) Madhava:
Madhava Chetty is mentioned as the person who authenticated the plant used in the study. His input assures the identity and quality of the Hibiscus platanifolius, emphasizing the significance of expert validation in botanical research to ensure that the right species with intended medicinal properties is used.
34) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna refers to Y. Jyothi Krishna, one of the contributors to the research. The involvement of team members signifies collaborative effort within scientific inquiry, enhancing the reliability of findings and ensuring comprehensive examinations of the plant's effects on health.
35) Family:
Referring to the family Malvaceae, to which Hibiscus platanifolius belongs, this term is critical in classifying the plant's biological aspects. Understanding the family can provide insights into shared characteristics among related species, guiding researchers in exploring phytochemistry and potential medicinal benefits.
36) Powder:
Powder signifies the processed form of the plant material used for extraction in the study. Producing a fine powder from Hibiscus platanifolius facilitates the extraction of active compounds, highlighting the importance of preparation methods in effectively obtaining plant-derived ingredients for pharmacological research.
37) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing aspects relevant to this research on Hibiscus platanifolius. This term highlights the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding plant classification, morphology, and the exploration of ethnobotanical uses, underscoring the intersection between botany and pharmacology in herbal research.
38) Sugar:
Sugar is mentioned in the context of testing components of the extracted plant material. It relates to the chemical composition analyzed to understand how constituents like reducing sugars might influence the observed effects of Hibiscus platanifolius, particularly its potential anti-diarrheal properties.
39) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worry emphasizes the health concerns related to diarrhea discussed in the context of this research. By addressing diarrhea's impact on populations, especially children, the study underscores the urgency for effective treatments, like those derived from Hibiscus platanifolius, to mitigate public health concerns in affected regions.
40) Hand:
Hand highlights human behavior concerning cleanliness and hygiene, particularly relevant in discussions of disease transmission. The emphasis on proper hand hygiene illustrates the critical role of personal cleanliness in preventing diarrhea and reinforces the necessity of public health education in reducing health risks.
41) Diet:
Diet refers to the nutritional intake of experimental animals, crucial for controlling variables in the study. The choice of diet impacts digestive health and influences the outcomes observed when administering Hibiscus platanifolius, linking dietary habits to potential therapeutic effects against diarrhea.
42) Pur:
Poor pertains to the socioeconomic context of developing countries where health resources might be limited. Highlighting the situation of poor communities affected by diarrhea underscores a significant aspect of the research aimed at providing accessible herbal treatments for vulnerable populations, enhancing public health approaches.
43) Male:
Male describes the specific sex of the Wistar albino rats used in the study. Selecting male rats is often derived from experimental design considerations, which might include hormonal effects on physiological outcomes, illustrating the importance of appropriate subject selection for reproducibility and validity of results.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Anti-diarrheal effects of Hibiscus platanifolius in rats.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Malnutrition, Significant effect, World Health Organization, Institutional animal ethics committee, Anti-diarrheal activities, Antibiotic resistance, Ethanol extract, Alcoholic extract, Castor oil-induced diarrhea, Traditional medical practice, Fecal-oral route, Wistar albino rat.