The effect of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida on haematological parameters and intestinal ATPases, lactase activity and histopathology studies in lactose induced diarrhea in Wistar rats

Idiakheua D.O,Ugbeni C.O

doi:10.33472/afjbs.1.3.2019.14-21

Abstract

Diarrhea remains a major health burden in developing society till date. Efforts aimed at ameliorating this condition is very imminent. In this study, the antidiarrheal effect of aqueous extracts (dried and fresh forms) of M. lucida leaves was evaluated in Wistar rats. 25% lactose enriched diet was used to induce diarrhea. 25 Wistar rats of an average weight of 150g were divided equally into five groups labeled A-E. The diet was admonished for 72 h to rats in groups B-E. Fresh aqueous extract of M. lucida, dried aqueous extract of M. lucida and loperamide were then administered to groups C-E respectively for the next seven days. The animals were then sacrificed and blood collected for lactase, intestinal ATPases, and some haematological parameters were assayed using standard laboratory procedures. Histopathological examination of the small intestine was also examined. Our results showed a significant increase in the intestinal lactase activity of diarrheic rats. However, the dried extract was able to restore parity with the control. We observed a significant increase in the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase while a decrease in the activity of Ca2+ATPase in lactose induced diarrheic rats when compared with the control. The extracts of M. lucida further increased significantly the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase when compared with the control and the untreated group. However, no significant effect of the extracts on Ca2+ATPase was observed. On haematological parameters, we observed increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Treatment with fresh extract and loperamide was able to reverse this increase. Furthermore results of the differential white blood cell count revealed higher lymphocyte count in the group given dried extract of M. lucida. The extracts were able to ameliorate the aberrations observed in the architecture of the intestinal lumen.

Highlights

Our results showed a significant increase in the intestinal lactase activity of diarrheic rats
We observed a significant increase in the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase while a decrease in the activity of Ca2+ATPase in lactose induced diarrheic rats when compared with the control
The intestinal lactase activity of lactose induced diarrhea rats was significantly increased relative to control during induction

Summary

Introduction

Evidence from research findings have confirmed that to truly deal with the modern-day plaques, disease and increasing toxins in our environment, we must return to nature and use the abundant plant resources around us. / Afr.J.Bio.Sc. 1(3) (2019) 14-21 health problems, the modern man is going back to the age of green medicine (Williamson et al, 2002). A condition in which there is a frequent passage of abnormally loose and watery stool is the most common disease causing infant death. Consumption of contaminated foods and close proximity to infected animals and humans all contribute to easy and frequent acquisition of pathogens that cause this condition. These pathogens could be bacteria such as E. coli, Clostridium difficile, Shigella species, Salmonella species, Staphylococus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni, among many others (Adebolu et al, 2007)

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Conclusion