Phytotherapy for Diarrhea: Bridging Herbal Medicine and Modern Treatment

Abstract

Diarrhea remains a significant global health issue, responsible for approximately 1.9 million deaths annually, particularly in children under five. Conventional treatment includes oral rehydration and antibiotics; however, phytotherapy, the use of plant-based remedies, offers an alternative or complementary solution, especially for cases involving chronic diarrhea or antibiotic resistance. This paper examines the historical and scientific basis of phytotherapy, its pharmacological mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and potential integration with modern medicine. Despite the lack of robust clinical data for some herbal treatments, growing interest in complementary approaches highlights the need for further research. Phytotherapy shows promise in alleviating symptoms and modulating gut health through anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and gut-modulating mechanisms. The integration of herbal medicine with modern treatment protocols could enhance the therapeutic approach to managing diarrhea and improve patient outcomes, especially in settings with limited access to modern pharmaceuticals. Keywords: Phytotherapy, Herbal medicine, Diarrhea treatment, Antidiarrheal agents, Antibiotic resistance.