Effects of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Citrus aurantifolia on the Gastrointestinal Tract of Wistar Rats
Idakwoji Precious Adejoh *
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Ajima Judith Nnedimkpa
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Coal City University, Emene, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Anosike Joy Chizoba
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Amadi Emenike Benjamin
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Nweje-Anyalowu Paul Chukwuemeka
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objective: The anti-diarrhoea activity of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of C. aurantifolia was investigated in this study.
Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity evaluation of the aqueous extract of C. aurantifolia stem bark was carried out using rats according to Lorke’s method. Experimental diarrhoea was induced in rats with castor oil, and the effect of the extract on castor oil-induced gastrointestinal motility and enteropooling was consequently investigated.
Results: In the acute toxicity study, the extract produced no signs of toxicity or mortality in rats up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg. The oral LD50 of the aqueous stem bark extract of C. aurantifolia was therefore taken to be >5000 mg /kg. The extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the frequency of defecation as well as in the number of unformed faeces produced by castor oil-induced diarrhoea in a dose- dependent manner. The extract also decreased the distance travelled by activated charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract of treated rats when compared to control rats. Results of castor oil-induced enteropooling revealed slight reduction in the weight of intestinal contents of treated rats compared to control rats.
Conclusion: This study shows that Citrus aurantifolia stem bark possesses significant anti-antidiarrhoeal potential and could be useful in the treatment of diarrhoea.
Keywords: Gastrointestinal tract, aqueous, stem bark, Citrus aurantifolia, wistar rats.