Abstract
Purpose: To explore the pharmacological basis for folkloric use of Acacia modesta for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal spasm.Methods: Acacia modesta crude extract (Am.Cr) for antidiarrheal activity (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg) was investigated in terms of reduction in diarrhea droppings in castor-oil induced diarrhea, while antisecretory activity (300 and 1000 mg/kg) was studied in castor-oil induced model in mice. Isolated rabbit jejunum tissues were employed for in vitro experiments. For antiulcer assay, ethanol-induced gastrointestinal ulcer rat model was used.Results: Am.Cr tested positive for alkaloid, tannins and flavonoids. It exhibited protective effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice at 100 - 1000 mg/kg, similar to the standard drugs, loperamide and atropine respectively. In isolated tissue (rabbit jejunum), Am.Cr concentration-dependently (0.01 - 3.0 mg/mL) produced relaxation of K+ (80 mM)-induced and spontaneous contractions at concentrations to papaverine. Am.Cr significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats. In acute toxicity testing Am.Cr did not produce any mortality up to 5 g/kg dose.Conclusion: These results show that Acacia modesta possesses anti-diarrheal, anti-secretory, antispasmodic and anti-ulcer activities, probably mediated through dual mechanisms, including Ca2+ influx and PDE enzyme(s) inhibition. The presence of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and tannins, suggest the validity of the acclaimed ethnomedicinal effects in hyperactive gut disorders.Keywords: Acacia modesta, Antidiarrheal, Antisecretory, Antispasmodic, Antiulcer
Highlights
Acacia modesta Wall (Mimosaceae) locally known as “Palosa/Phullai” is a medium sized evergreen tree found in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan [1]
Based on ethnopharmacological use of Acacia modesta in hyperactive gut diseases, such as colic and diarrhea, the extract of Am.Cr was evaluated for the antidiarrheal, antisecretory and antiulcer effects in rodents
Am.Cr showed protective effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea similar to effect produced by loperamide, a standard drug [13]
Summary
Acacia modesta Wall (Mimosaceae) locally known as “Palosa/Phullai” is a medium sized evergreen tree found in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan [1]. It is widely used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of back and ear ache, colic, dysentery, diarrhea, chest pain, paralysis and asthma [2, 3]. Acacia modesta is reported to possess antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant [5], antiinflammatory and analgesic [6] properties. The aim of this study was to explore scientific evidence for the medicinal use of Acacia modesta in hyperactive gut disorders like abdominal colic, diarrhea and ulcers.
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