Laxative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Sida acuta Leaves in Loperamide- Induced Constipation in Wistar Rats
Nweje- Anyalowu Paul Chukwuemeka *
Department of Biological Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Faculty of Science, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria.
Idakwoji Precious Adejoh
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Iserhienrhien Lucky Osafanme
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Nigeria.
Sheneni Victor Duniya
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Momoh Theophilus Boniface
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the laxative potentials of aqueous leaf extract of Sida acuta in loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats.
Methods: Constipation was induced by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg b.wt.). The constipated rats were orally treated daily either with 200, 400, 800 mg/kg body weight per day of the extract or 0.21 mg/kg bisacodyl (reference drug) for 7 days while the normal and constipated control groups received distilled water. The feeding characteristics, body weight, faecal properties and gastrointestinal transit ratio were monitored throughout the study period.
Results: There was significant decrease (p < 0.05) between normal and constipated rats in the number of faecal pellets and water content of faecal pellets while there was no significant changes in the feed/ water intake and body weight of rats .Administration of the graded doses of the extract to the constipated rats significantly and dose- dependently normalized (p < 0.05) the number of faecal pellets/ water content of faecal pellets and gastrointestinal ratio compared to the constipated control.
Conclusion: The aqueous root extract of Sida acuta possesses laxative activity in loperamide- induced constipated rats.
Keywords: Constipation, Sida acuta, loperamide, laxative, bisacodyl