Abstract
Background and objectivesAnnona senegalensis root bark is used in the treatment of diarrhea. This study fractionated Annona senegalensis root bark to identify the anti-enteropooling compounds and explore the possible mechanism of action of the compounds MethodsAnti-enteropooling activity of hexane, dichloromethane and aqueous extracts were investigated to determine the most bioactive crude extract. Bioactivity guided fractionation of the most active extract was conducted. The compounds present in the bioactive sub-fraction were identified using GC-MS analysis. The concentration of Na+, Cl− and K+ in the intestinal fluids of rats administered the most active sub-fraction was determined. The effect of the sub-fraction on the small intestine malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, antioxidant enzymes, Na+ - K + ATPase and cyclooxygenase II activities were evaluated using standard procedures. ResultsAqueous root bark extract (AR) significantly decreased the weight and volume of intestinal fluids of castor oil induced diarrheal rats. Sub-fraction 1 of dichloromethane fraction of aqueous root bark extract (DFAR1) decreased the weight and volume of intestinal fluids of castor oil-induced diarrheal rats the most. Androstan-3-one and 3-tetradecen-5-yne were found present in DFAR1. The concentration of Na+ in the intestinal fluid of rats administered DFAR1 significantly decreased when compared with the control. DFAR1 significantly decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and cyclooxygenase II. There was no significant difference in MDA concentration and Na+ - K + ATPase activity. ConclusionA. senegalensis root bark is rich in aldosterone derivative (steroid) and 3-tetradecen-5-yne that prevents enteropooling by stimulating Na+ absorption and inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity.
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