Antidiarrheal Effects Research Articles

Ethnomedicinal and Phytopharmacological Aspects of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Utilized as a Traditional Medicinal Herb

Vernonia amygdalina Delile, commonly known as “bitter leaf,” is a shrub in the Asteraceae family, widely seen in tropical regions of Africa. Vernonia amygdalina is found to be traditionally used in African medicine. Various parts of this plant, especially the leaves, are utilized to treat ailments such as fever, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. Research from multiple researchers has shown a wide range of phytochemical and bioactive compounds present in Vernonia amygdalina; examples are terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, etc., which have contributed to the medicinal properties of Vernonia amygdalina. Vernonia amygdalina has shown its therapeutic and remedial potentials due to the presence of phytochemicals which exhibit effects such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-diarrheal, anti-helminthic, anti-pyretic, and anti-nociceptive effects. In this article, the authors highlight recent progress in using Vernonia amygdalina and its therapeutic effects. Research, review, and case study articles were used to write this review. The articles were obtained from academic websites such as Research Gate, Google Scholar, the National Library of Medicine, African journals online, and Semantic journals, and some articles were obtained through a simple Google search. Articles that discussed the medicinal, ethanopharmacological, and therapeutic properties of Vernonia amygdalina were selected for the review. Search terms such as “Vernonia amygdalina,” “bitter leaf,” “phytochemical properties,” and “therapeutic effects” were used to search for relevant articles on the academic databases. Boolean operators such as “AND” and “OR” were used to refine the search further and ensure a comprehensive selection of articles.

Literature Review: Guava Leaves (Psidium Guajava) for Treating Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a significant health problem, especially in developing countries. Guava leaves (Psidium guajava) have long been used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea. This study aims to review the literature on the effectiveness of guava leaves in treating diarrhea by focusing on ten aspects: raw material name, raw material content, raw material composition, active substance content, efficacy claims, empirical data, raw material standardization, preclinical test, toxicity test, and clinical trial. The results of several studies show that guava leaves contain tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and essential oils that play a role in the antidiarrheal effect. Preclinical research shows a reduction in the frequency of bowel movements and an increase in stool consistency in animal models. Although empirical claims and preclinical trials support the use of guava leaves as a treatment for diarrhea, more research is still needed regarding the standardization of raw materials, toxicity tests, and clinical trials to ensure its overall efficacy and safety.

Unveiling the therapeutic potentialities and chemical characterization of methanolic Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f) Hallier f. stem extract: A Multi-faceted investigation via in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches

Current study focused on Merremia vitifolia an ethnomedicinal plant, aiming to explore its medicinal properties comprehensively. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the study investigated the phytochemical components of M. vitifolia stem extract and assessed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, locomotor, and antidiarrheal activities. The evaluation involved a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches.In-vitro antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH scavenging assay, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via a protein denaturation assay. In-vivo experiments included tests for antidepressant effects (FST, TST), anxiolytic effects (EPM, HBT), locomotor effects (OFT, HCT), and analgesic activity (formalin-induced licking test and acetic acid-induced writhing test). Additionally, the antidiarrheal effect was evaluated through castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility tests. Fifteen bioactive compounds were identified based on their biological activities from GC/MS data and subjected to in silico molecular docking; ADME/T profiling and pass prediction.MEMVS had an IC50 value of 74.97 μg/mL and MEMVS elicited 77.17 ± 0.39 % inhibition protein denaturation compared to standard (87.23 ± 0.30 %) at 500 μg/mL. In addition, MEMVS induced a dose-dependent reduction in analgesic, neuropharmacological assay, inhibition in diarrheal feces count, and intestinal motility with a significant value (aP< 0.001). In computer-aided investigation, all compounds adhere to Lipinski's rule of five and demonstrate highest binding affinity to isolates compared to standard drugs, confirming laboratory findings.Research findings suggest that MEMVS holds promising potential, as a multifaceted therapeutic agent, exhibiting antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and neuropharmacological properties. However, further investigation is needed to fully harness its medicinal benefits.

Nanocarrier-Based Delivery Approaches of Mangiferin: An Updated Review on Leveraging Biopharmaceutical Characteristics of the Bioactive.

In recent years, bioactive constituents from plants have been investigated as an alternative to synthetic approaches of therapeutics. Mangiferin (MGF) is a xanthone glycoside extracted from Mangifera indica and has shown numerous medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-diarrhoeal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-tumours, and anti-diabetic effects. However, there are numerous challenges to its effective therapeutic usage, including its low water solubility, limited absorption, and poor bioavailability. Nano formulation approaches in recent years exhibited potential for the delivery of phytoconstituents with key benefits of high entrapment, sustained release, enhanced solubility, stability, improved pharmacokinetics, and site-specific drug delivery. Numerous techniques have been employed for the fabrication of MGF-loaded Nano formulations, and each technique has its advantages and limitations. The nanocarriers that have been employed to fabricate MGF nanoformulations for various therapeutic purposes include; polymeric nanoparticles, nanostructure, lipid carriers, polymeric micelles, Nano emulsions, microemulsion & self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, solid lipid nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, transfersomes, nanoliposomes, ethosomes & transethosomes, and glycethosomes. Different biopharmaceutical characteristics (size, shape, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation,, and in vivo studies) of the mentioned MGF-loaded nanocarriers have been methodically discussed. Patent reports are also included to further strengthen the potential of MGF in the management of diseases.

Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Activities of Gentiana ornata from Lauribinayak, Rasuwa, Nepal

Gentiana ornata (Wall. ex G. Don) Griseb, also called decorated gentian or showy gentian, has been used as a decoction plant in temperate regions of Nepal. This work aims to evaluate the phytochemical properties, antioxidant values, and pharmacological properties of this plant collected from Lauribinayak, Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa, Nepal. The extract of whole plant was prepared by cold extraction process at 100% ethanol. Then, the qualitative preliminary phytochemical test of plant extract was performed to know its chemical constituents. The total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu method, total flavonoid content using aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and antioxidant potential of the plant extract were also determined by using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reagent. The pharmacological activities like oral acute toxicity test, antidiarrheal test and anti-ulcer test were also carried out in laboratory animals. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, anthocyanin, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic constituents. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant assay value of this plant extract were 242.64±0.280 mg GAE/g, 39.23±0.005 mg QE/g and 42±0.072 µg/mL respectively. The extract showed no morbidity, mortality, toxicity signs, or symptoms in the oral acute toxicity test. Though it could not show considerable antidiarrheal effect by reducing gastrointestinal motility when compared to the standard drug, loperamide, it showed significant anti-ulcer effects by reducing gastric lesions when compared to the standard drug, sucralfate, which may be due to its mucosal protecting nature. Therefore, isolation and purification of phytochemicals responsible for the pharmacological activity of this plant have been recommended.

Antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Anethum graveolens L. fruit extract on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats.

Between food and medicine, nutraceuticals are widely used in human health for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. This study aims to determine the cytoprotective effects of Anethum gravelons fruit extract (AGFAE) on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats due to its phytochemical and antioxidant properties. Male rats were divided into six groups of six animals each: Control (C), Castor oil (CO), CO + different doses of AGFAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and the CO + loperamide group (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.). In vitro, the chemical composition of aqueous Dill fruit extract showed strong antioxidant activity, with a high content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. In our invivo studies, pre-treatment with AGFAE reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels and maintained normal activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the gastric and intestinal mucosa. In addition, we found that AGFAE prophylaxis improved the stability of many plasma biochemical parameters altered by castor oil intoxication, such as C-reactive protein concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activities. We suggest that AGFAE phenolic compounds had significant protection against diarrhea involving several mechanisms such as reducing hypersecretion, peristaltic, inflammation, and preserving the endogenous antioxidant levels.

Establishment of an HPLC Fingerprint and Cluster Analysis for Miao Ethnic Medicine Osbeckia opipara

: Osbeckia opipara, a traditional Miao medicine, is commonly used by the renowned national-level Chinese Traditional Medicine practitioner Zhengshi Wu for the treatment of diarrhea due to its strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal effects. This study aimed to establish a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint for O. opipara to provide new evidence and technical means for the scientific evaluation and effective quality control of O. opipara. The procedure involved isolation with a Nano ChromCore C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), using a gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile as the mobile phase, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, a column temperature of 30°C, an injection volume of 10 μL, and detection at a wavelength of 254 nm. Under these chromatographic conditions, fingerprint analysis was conducted on 11 batches of O. opipara collected from different origins. The National Pharmacopoeia Committee developed the 'Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System' (2004A version) for automated comparison, similarity computation, and analysis of chromatographic data. The results revealed 13 common peaks across the 11 batches of O. opipara samples, with a similarity to the automatically generated reference spectrum exceeding 0.9. SPSS 26.0 software was used to conduct cluster analysis on the peak areas of the 13 common peaks. The observations indicated that the reference spectrum generated from the 11 batches could serve as the standard fingerprint profile for O. opipara, providing sufficient characteristic information extraction.

Assessing Therapeutic Potentials of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Focusing on Anti-Diabetic, Analgesic and Anti-Diarrheal Activities

Catharanthus roseus, or 'Nayantara' in Bengali, is a perennial flowering herb. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological effectiveness of the plant, focusing on its anti-diabetic, peripheral and central analgesic, and antidiarrheal effects. Methanol soluble partition 200 (MSP-200) and 400 (MSP-400) mg/kg body weight were administered for glucose tolerance test (GTT), heat and chemical-induced response tests, sodium thiosulphate induced test, and castor oil induced test, evaluating anti-diabetic, peripheral and central analgesic, and antidiarrheal effects via in-vivo assay in Swiss-Albino mice model. Methanol soluble partition (MSP) at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly reduced the blood glucose levels of mice by 31.00% and 32.97%, respectively (standard 46.24%). In peripheral analgesic activity, MSP-400 (62.82 ± 4.62%) outperformed MSP-200 (50 ± 3.62%) and MSP-200 (p = 0.0001) exhibited statistically significant central analgesic activity. MSP-400 demonstrated potent anti-diarrheal activity (p = 0.0002). The outcomes from this study put forward a cogent argument that C. roseus plant is capable of producing numerous bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, etc. which requires systematic phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 215-222, 2024 (July)

Anti-diarrheal effects of ethanol leaf extract of Eleusine Indica in Castor Oil induced diarrhea using mice model

Ancient civilizations employed medicinal herbs to treat ailments. Medicinal herbs are essential for treating chronic disorders. Different medicinal plants can treat comparable ailments, depending on the country. In many rural communities in developing countries, particularly in Africa, therapeutic medicines and remedies derived from indigenous plants are almost invariably the only readily available and cost-effective alternatives to traditional diarrhea medicines. The study aims to evaluate the anti-diarrheal activity of the Eleusine indica ethanol extract in mice. The study used fresh Eleusine indica leaves. The extracts were administered at concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days. On the 29th, the rats were induced with diarrhea, and blood samples were collected through the retro-orbital plexus before being sacrificed. The serum from the collected blood was used to run hematological and electrolyte tests. The liver and kidney function tests were analyzed using standard methods. The determination of antidiarrheal activity was done using the following models: Castor oil (CO) induced diarrhea, CO induced enteropooling activity, and CO induced gastrointestinal motility. The 80% ethanol extract produced significant (p&lt;0.001) antidiarrheal activity in all three models tested. The hematological, renal, hepatic, and electrolyte parameters of extract-treated mice were not significantly (p &gt; 0.05) different from those of the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate levels of the extract-treated groups when compared to the control group. The findings of the studies demonstrated the antidiarrheal activities of Eleusine indica leaves, which could be a therapeutic option against diarrhea.

Lipase-copper complex/chitosan microspheres; loaded with attapulgite used for the treatment of E. coli-induced diarrhea

Diarrhea is a globally major problem especially Escherichia coli induced diarrhea becoming fatal nowadays in developing countries. Colon-targeted chitosan microspheres (Ms) comprising of lipase‑zinc and lipase‑copper complexes were prepared, loaded with Attapulgite (Cts-Li-Zn-ATG/Ms and Cts-Li-Cu-ATG/Ms) for the treatment of bacterial diarrhea. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were used for confirmation of proposed lipase-metal complexes. Ms showed particle size range 18 ± 0.24 to 23 ± 0.83 μm, zeta potential −13.7 ± 0.71 to −29.3 ± 1.34 mV, PDI 0.5 ± 0.04 to 1.0 ± 0.07 and hemolytic activity was found to be <5 ± 1.25 %. After coating with Eudragit S-100 for colon targeting, in-vitro % drug release of ATG at pH 7.4 was 80 ± 0.21 % for Eud-Cts-Li-Zn-ATG/Ms while it was increased to 83 ± 0.54 % for Eud-Cts-Li-Cu-ATG/Ms within 7 h, respectively. In-vivo anti-diarrheal activity of Eud-Cts-Li-Zn-ATG/Ms and Eud-Cts-Li-Cu-ATG/Ms was performed by oral challenge on albino mice having infectious diarrhea colonized with E. coli. Results revealed significant anti-diarrheal effect of proposed Eud-Cts-Li-Cu-ATG/Ms in terms of weight gain from 24 ± 0.12 g to 26.05 ± 0.31 g, which was 2-fold increase as compared to Eud-Cts-Li-Zn-ATG/Ms. Conclusively, Eud-Cts-Li-Cu-ATG/Ms provides an innovative alternate for the treatment of bacterial diarrhea with additional support of chitosan and lipase for nutritional support and immunity which was compromised in diarrheal patients.

Psidium guajava: A Review on Its Pharmacological and Phytochemical Constituents

Psidium guajava, belonging to the Myrtaceae family, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This important tropical fruit finds widespread cultivation in countries like India, Indonesia, Syria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South America. Throughout its various parts, including fruits, leaves, and barks, guava boasts a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds that have been traditionally utilized as folkloric herbal medicines, offering numerous therapeutic applications. Within guava, an extensive array of Various compounds with antioxidative properties and phytochemical constituents are present, including essential oils, polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, triterpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. Notably, different components of the plant, comprising leaves and fruits, contribute to a spectrum of medicinal benefits. These encompass antimicrobial potency and potential anti-cancer properties. This study Investigates the phytochemical constituent and pharmacological activity of Guava by using previous studies and reports to collect more information about the guava plant. versatile properties extend to various therapeutic domains. The fruit has showcased its potential in domains like antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-allergy, and anti-plasmodial effects. Both guava leaves and fruits have been historically employed to address an array of conditions, including gastroenteritis, hypertension, diabetes, dental caries, and pain relief. While guava's pharmacological attributes are well-recognized, also all parts of guava have many phytochemical constituents. This review study shows the most important phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties, it is vital to emphasize the need for further research. Enhanced understanding of the main mechanisms of action and the possible health advantages associated with guava necessitates continued investigation.

Effects of the Polyherbal Wattana Formula on Food Intake, Intestinal Transit, and Ileum Contraction in Wistar Rats

The polyherbal Wattana formula (WNF) has been used in traditional practice for over 30 years to promote health and prevent age-related issues. However, no scientific evidence supports its efficacy, including its impact on the gastrointestinal system in older individuals. This study examined the effects of WNF on intestinal transit, body weight, and food intake in Wistar rats that received oral WNF at doses of 100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg for 14 days. Following treatment, the small intestine was isolated, and intestinal transit was assessed via charcoal meal travel distance. Compared to the vehicle, 1000 mg/kg WNF significantly reduced intestinal transit in the charcoal meal test and decreased body weight. Additionally, 600 µg/mL WNF extract impeded acetylcholine-induced ileum smooth muscle contraction ex vivo. WNF at all doses demonstrated no effects on food intake. Our findings suggest that WNF may have potential antidiarrheal effects and benefits in weight management and abdominal spasm reduction.

Re-processing of pharmaceutical herb residues using isolated probiotics from plant sources and their beneficial effects on diarrhea

This study aims to use hot aqueous extract of herbal residue (HRE) to enhance bacterial growth and possess anti-diarrheal effects. In this study, lactobacillus species L. brevis (SAM-1), Lactobacillus plantarum (SAM-2), and Lactobacillus herbinensis (SAM-3) were isolated from date palm sap (collected in winter season). Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Bangladesh provided herbal residues ‘Adovas’ which is non-sedating herbal cough syrup with sixteen common herbs including Adhatoda vasica. In our observation, HRE increased the number of colonies in MRS media. In the anti-diarrheal study by castor oil and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrheal mouse model, SAM-1 and 2 with or without HRE showed almost similar results. After initial morphological characterization, tests such as resistance to low pH, bile salt and survival capability in gastric simulated fluid (GSF) were performed to confirm them as a probiotic candidate. All three isolates were gram-positive bacteria and could grow in a mesophilic range of temperatures. The isolates were catalase-negative and were able to coagulate milk after overnight incubation. As the isolates exhibited resistance to low pH and could tolerate bile salts, they may survive in the stomach and intestine, thus making them a promising probiotic candidate. The isolated probiotics and HRE inhibited diarrheal and restored the body's electrolytes. Interestingly, SAM-2 showed higher efficacy than the standard drug (Loperamide), while SAM-1 showed a similar effect and SAM-3, had less effect than Loperamide. The findings suggest that probiotics and herbal residue could contribute to diarrhoeal disease prevention, which might be an alternative to a synthetic standard drug (Loperamide).

Botanical, Chemical, and Pharmacological Characteristics of Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua L)

In Morocco the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), is scattered in the wild or articificial state throughout the country. It belongs to the Ceasalpiniaceae subfamily of the legume family, is a sclerophyllous, xerophilic, thermophilic, calciclous and heliophilous species. The carob is a Mediterranean medicinal plant, it is characterized by ecological, socio-economic, industrial and ornamental importance. It is an agro-sylvo-pastoral species that can be used for the rehabilitation of degraded soils, thanks to its capacity to adapt to different edapho-climatic conditions. The most important producing countries are Spain, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. Many factors affect the chemical composition of the fruit as well as its mineral content, for example the temperature, the origin of the cultivar and the harvest period. In therapy, this plant is known for its cholesterol-lowering, antiproliferative, antidiarrheal effect.

Chemical profiling, toxicity assessment, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. (Burseraceae) bark in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe bark of Canarium schweinfurthii is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of diabetes, pain, malaria, fever and diarrhoea. Aim of the studyThe chemical phytoconstituents, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects and safety profile of the aqueous extract of Canarium schweinfurthii bark (AECSB) were investigated. Materials and methodsGas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse the phytochemical composition. In the acute toxicity test, AECSB were administered up to 2 g/kg by oral gavage. For the subacute toxicity test (28 days), rats in group 1 (control) received no AECSB, while rats in groups 2–4 were administered different doses of AECSB. Charcoal meal transit and castor oil-induced diarrhoea models were used to study the antidiarrheal effect, while egg albumin/carrageenan and acetic acid/tail immersion models were used for the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive studies, respectively. With the exception of the acute toxicity experiment, AECSB was administered orally at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. ResultsBioactive phytoconstituents identified include p-cymene, δ-terpinene, linalool and phytol. No adverse effects or mortality were observed in acute and subacute studies. Treatment with AECSB (28 days) had no significant effect on organ weight, biochemical, hematologic and histopathologic parameters compared to the control groups (p > 0.05). Comparable antidiarrheal and antinociceptive effects were observed in both AECSB- and standard drug-treated groups, while the 400 and 800 mg/kg AECSB-treated groups showed remarkable anti-inflammatory effects compared to the standard drug-treated and control groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionAECSB has antidiarrheal, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects and can be safely used for therapeutic purposes.

Antidiarrheal and Antinociceptive Effects of different inclusion of Methanol Stem Bark Extracts of Acanthospermum hispidum and Gmelina arborea in Castor oil Induced Wistar Albino Rats

Antidiarrheal and Antinociceptive Effects of different inclusion of Methanol Stem Bark Extracts of Acanthospermum hispidum and Gmelina arborea in Castor oil Induced Wistar Albino Rats

Gallnut tannic acid alleviates gut damage induced by Salmonella pullorum in broilers by enhancing barrier function and modulating microbiota.

Pullorum disease (PD) is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella pullorum (S. pullorum) that affects poultry. It is highly infectious and often fatal. Antibiotics are currently the mainstay of prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for PD, but their use can lead to the development of resistance in pathogenic bacteria and disruption of the host's intestinal flora. We added neomycin sulfate and different doses of tannic acid (TA) to the drinking water of chicks at 3 days of age and infected them with PD by intraperitoneal injection of S. pullorum at 9 days of age. We analyzed intestinal histopathological changes and the expression of immune-related genes and proteins by using the plate smear method, histological staining, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, ELISA kits, and 16S rRNA Analysis of intestinal flora. The results demonstrate that S. pullorum induces alterations in the immune status and impairs the functionality of the liver and intestinal barrier. We found that tannic acid significantly ameliorated S. pullorum-induced liver and intestinal damage, protected the intestinal physical and chemical barriers, restored the intestinal immune barrier function, and regulated the intestinal flora. Our results showed that TA has good anti-diarrhoeal, growth-promoting, immune-regulating, intestinal barrier-protecting and intestinal flora-balancing effects, and the best effect was achieved at an additive dose of 0.2%.

Unraveling the multi-faceted role of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and diosmetin in managing gut motility

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary) is a popular herb with reported effectiveness against diarrhea, anxiety and constipation, albeit with limited pharmacological evidence. Aim of the studyThe current study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential, possible pharmacological mechanisms of action and active constituents of hydro-ethanolic extract of rosemary (Rs.Cr), as potential anti-diarrheal, laxative and anxiolytic agent. MethodRs.Cr was analyzed through reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Laxative, antidiarrheal, and anxiolytic activities were assessed using in vivo models. Spasmogenic and spasmolytic mechanisms were studied on isolated guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum tissues, respectively. Possible role of diosmetin, one of the active constituents of Rs.Cr was also evaluated. ResultsRP-HPLC analysis revealed presence of diosmetin, rutin and apigenin in Rs.Cr. Laxative effect was seen at low doses, which was partially reversed in atropinized mice. The spasmogenic mechanism was mediated by cholinergic and histaminergic receptors stimulation. At higher doses, antidiarrheal activity was evident, with reduction in gastrointestinal motility and secretions using charcoal meal and enteropooling assays, respectively. Rs.Cr also showed dose-dependent anxiolytic effect. The antispasmodic mechanisms were mediated by anti-muscarinic and K+ channel opening-like effect (predominant KATP-dependent). Diosmetin exhibited antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities, but spasmogenic effect was not seen. ConclusionRosemary leaves have dual antidiarrheal and laxative effects, and as well as anxiolytic activity. In addition, the possible modulation of muscarinic and histaminergic receptors, and KATP channels show it as potential herb to be explored for irritable bowel syndrome. Diosmetin is possibly one of its constituents that contributes to its antidiarrheal activity.

Effects of Crude Extract of Glycyrrhiza Radix and Atractylodes macrocephala on Immune and Antioxidant Capacity of SPF White Leghorn Chickens in an Oxidative Stress Model.

The natural edible characteristics of Chinese herbs have led more and more people to study them as an alternative product to antibiotics. In this study, crude extracts of Glycyrrhiza radix and Atractylodes macrocephala (abbreviated as GRAM) with glycyrrhizic acid content not less than 0.2 mg/g were selected to evaluate the effects of GRAM on the immune and antioxidant capacity of model animals. Thirty 21-day-old male Leghorn chickens were weighed and randomly assigned to one of three groups of ten animals each. The treatments comprised a control group (CON), in which saline was injected at day 31, day 33, and day 35, an LPS-treated group (LPS), in which LPS (0.5 mg/kg of BW) was injected at day 31, day 33, and day 35, and finally a GRAM and LPS-treated group, (G-L) in which a GRAM-treated diet (at GRAM 2 g/kg) was fed from day 21 to day 35 with LPS injection (0.5 mg/kg of BW) at day 31, day 33, and day 35. The results of diarrhea grade and serum antioxidant measurement showed that the LPS group had obvious diarrhea symptoms, serum ROS and MDA were significantly increased, and T-AOC was significantly decreased. The oxidative stress model of LPS was successfully established. The results of immune and antioxidant indexes showed that feeding GRAM significantly decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05) and significantly increased levels of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 and levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px and CAT (p < 0.05). GRAM resisted the influence of LPS on ileum morphology, liver, and immune organs and maintained normal index values for ileum morphology, liver, and immune organs. In summary, this study confirmed the antidiarrheal effect of GRAM, which improved the immune and antioxidant capacity of model animals by regulating inflammatory cytokine levels and antioxidant enzyme activity in poultry.

Purinergic Signaling Drives Multiple Aspects of Rotavirus Pathophysiology

Background: Rotavirus causes life-threatening diarrhea in children, resulting in ~200,000 deaths each year. Rotavirus infects a limited number of cells at the tips of the villi in the small intestine; however, rotavirus is known to dysregulate cells distant from the site of infection through paracrine signaling. We recently identified that rotavirus infected cells release the purinergic signaling molecule ADP, which binds to the P2Y1 receptor on nearby uninfected cells; causing a signaling cascade that affects distant uninfected cells. In vitro P2Y1 was found to contribute to chloride and serotonin secretion; suggesting P2Y1 may activate pathways responsible for diarrhea. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that P2Y1 orchestrates cell-cell communication involved in diarrhea and infection severity. Methods: To elucidate the role of purinergic signaling via P2Y1 receptors during rotavirus infection, we used the mouse-like rotavirus (rD6/2) to investigate the effects of purinergic signaling in the context of homologous murine rotavirus infection in vivo. C57Black6 mouse pups were orally gavaged rD6/2 rotavirus at day 4-6 of age and assessed over the course of 5 days. Beginning at day 1 post infection, infected pups were treated daily by oral gavage with saline or 4mg/kg MRS2500, a P2Y1-selective, competitive antagonist. Stool was collected and scored for diarrhea daily prior to each treatment. Pups were euthanized and small intestine tissue was collected at 3- and 5-days post infection for immunostaining, qRT-PCR and luminal contents. Intestinal organoids derived from Balb/C pup jejunum were inoculated with rD6/2 rotavirus, followed by supplementation with vehicle or MRS2500 to assess fluid secretion by organoid swelling over time. Results: Rotavirus-infected pups exhibited significant diarrhea incidence and high diarrhea scores on days 2, 3, and 4 post infection. Treatment of rotavirus-infected mouse pups with MRS2500 resulted in decreased severity and incidence of diarrhea compared to vehicle treated controls. This was consistent with in vitro, rD6/2-infected organoids exhibiting a significant increase in organoid swelling compared to uninfected organoids, which was significantly prevented by inhibition of P2Y1 signaling. Viral stool shedding from MRS2500 treated pups was significantly lower than saline-treated pups starting at day 4 post infection, which suggests P2Y1 signaling may amplify rotavirus replication in vivo. Finally, transmission experiments in litters with infected (but not treated) and pretreated MRS2500 uninfected pups show a decreased incidence in diarrhea suggesting that P2Y1 inhibition has a potential protective role in reducing the effects of transmission. Conclusion: Collectively these findings establish a conserved role of purinergic signaling in the pathophysiology of rotavirus infection. Additionally, our data indicates P2Y1 as a new candidate for host-targeted therapeutics that could have both antiviral and antidiarrheal effects against rotavirus pathophysiology. R01 DK115507 (Hyser) R01 AI158683 (Hyser)APS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Engevik) F32 DK130288 (Engevik). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.