Wet Feces Research Articles

Antidiarheal Activity of Methanol Seed Extract of Cola Acuminata Schott & Endl (Malvaceae) In Mice

Cola acuminata nut extract has been shown to relax smooth muscles of the intestine in vitro, and this has made the plant popular as a potential antidiarrheal agent. This study aimed at evaluating the antidiarrheal activity of methanolic seed extract of Cola acuminata in mice. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis. The acute toxicity (LD50) study was conducted according to Lorke's method. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal meal method in mice. Groups of mice were orally administered water (10 ml/kg), charcoal, Cola acuminata nut extract (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg), loperamide 2mg/kg, and atropine 1 mg/kg before castor oil. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, triterpenes, and saponins. The oral LD50 of the extract was estimated to be 2154 mg/kg. The extract produced a significant p < 0.05 increase in time of onset of diarrhea compared to the distilled water group. The extract produced dose dependent inhibition of the number of wet faeces. Extract at 600 mg/kg had more protection against diarrhea than the Loperamide. The extract did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the intestinal movement of charcoal meal.

Assessment of the Potential Mechanisms of Anti-diarrhoeal Activities of Ethanol Extract of Monoon longifolium Leave in Wistar Rat

Background: Numerous diseases related to diarrhea are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped countries, accounting for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Polyalthia longifolia, the false ashoka, commonly referred to as Monoon longifolium is a tree species from Asia. It is commonly found in southern india, Sri Lanka and Nigeria. Polyalthia longifolia has been utilized for decades to treat an extensive variety of illnesses, including diarrhea. Method: The plant was extracted with ethanol using cold maceration. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of Polyalthia longifolia leaf was conducted using the techniquees of Harbone (1998); Trease and Evans (1978). The Lorke (1983) approach was used to calculate the Median Lethal Dose (LD50). Diarrhea caused by castor oil was produced using the Awouter et al., 1973 method. The testing for gastrointestinal transit was conducted using the Mascolo et al. (1996) technique. The Tietz (1994) method was used to conduct the electrolyte levels assay. The assay for kidney function indicators was conducted using Bartels and Bohmer's (1972) methodology. Results: The results of phytochemical screening showed that alkaloids and tannins occurred in high concentration, flavonoids and steroids occurred in moderate concentration, whereas terpenoids, glycosides and phenolic acid occurred in lowest concentration. The acute toxicity study revealed that the plant extract was not toxic even at the dose of 5000 mg/kg. Groups treated with 200,400, and 600 mg/kg b.w of extract showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition in the frequency of defecation of wet feces and total fecal output compared with positive control. Similarly, Groups treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of extract demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) antimotility activity when compared with the positive control. However, groups treated with 200,400 and 600mg/kg body weight showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in chlorine and sodium with corresponding decrease in bicarbonate and potassium level when compared with the positive control. The results from kidney function markers showed that groups treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w in a dose dependent manner showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in creatine and urea when compared with positive control. Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia has considerable antidiarrheal activity on castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility models, confirming the reason for its wide use in traditional treatment of diarrheal conditions.

Gut-Lung Microbiota Characterization in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and COVID-19 Coinfection.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with COVID-19 have an excessive chance of morbidity and mortality. The fecal-nasopharyngeal microbiota compositions of NSCLC patients were assessed in this study. In total, 234 samples were collected from 17 NSCLC patients infected with COVID-19, 20 NSCLC patients without confirmed COVID-19, 40 non NSCLC patients with COVID-19, and 40 healthy individuals. In lung microbiota, the abundance of Streptococcus spp. in NSCLC patients with confirmed COVID-19 was significantly higher than the two control groups. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were listed as the most frequent pulmonary bacterial groups that colonized COVID-19 patients. In fecal specimens, the numbers of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phyla were significantly higher amongst NSCLC patients with COVID-19. NSCLC patients infected with COVID-19 showed lower levels of Lactobacillus spp., Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium spp. The counts of Streptococcus spp., in NSCLC patients with COVID-19 were significantly higher than those of healthy individuals (8.49±0.70 log CFU/g wet feces vs 8.49±0.70 log CFU/g wet feces). Prevotella spp. were enriched in the gut and respiratory tracts of COVID-19 patient groups. The unbiased analysis showed an increment in Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Prevotella spp. Eventually, it was found that compared to control groups, COVID-19 patients with NSCLC showed diminished gut bacteria diversity and increase in Lactobacillus spp., A. muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium spp. The overgrowth of Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Prevotella spp. could be potential predictive biomarkers in the gut-lung axis of NSCLC patients with COVID-19.

Hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves extenuates the severity of diarrhoea in female Wistar rats.

Nigeria ranks second in the global prevalence of diarrhoea with most cases concentrated in the Northern-region of the country. This research explored the antidiarrhoeal efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves (HEPTL), locally used to manage diarrhoeal conditions in Kebbi State, Nigeria. P.thonningii leaves were screened for their secondary metabolites and mineral constituents. Using 3 standard-diarrhoea models, female Wistar rats completely-randomised into six-groups of six animals each were utilised for probing the antidiarrhoeal activity of HEPTL. Animals in groups I and II served as the negative and positive controls, whereas the rats in groups III, IV and V respectively received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight-(bw) of HEPTL. Six secondary metabolites and eight minerals were found in the extract, with flavonoids and calcium being the most abundant while steroids and zinc were the least prevalent, respectively. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 bioactive substances. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) and dose-related reduction in diarrhoea onset, water content, and wet faeces count. Similarly, the amount of intestinal fluid and average distance traversed by the charcoal-meal were decreased dose-dependently by the HEPTL with a commensurate rise in the suppression of intestinal fluid accrual andperistalsis. Acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+-ATPase, reduced glutathione, intestinal-alkaline phosphatase and protein levels increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas superoxide-dismutase, catalase, intestinal-nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels all fell significantly (p<0.05). However, the level of intestinal glucose was not significantly altered. Overall, the HEPTL exhibited a profound effect in the alleviation of the severity of diarrhoea, notably at 200 mg/kg bw.

In Vivo antidiarrheal effect and phytochemical characterization of Plectranthus barbatus Andrews

Diarrheal infections remain a public health problem. The mainstays of pharmacological therapy for infectious diarrhea include probiotics, antibacterial, and intestinal adsorbents. Nevertheless, these clinical treatments are not devoid of shortcomings including prohibitive costs and adverse effects. Medicinal plants including Plectranthus barbatus(P. barbatus) have folkloric remedies against diarrhea. However, there is paucity of knowledge to scientifically validate the efficacy of P. barbatus on diarrheal infections. This study was undertaken to ascertain antidiarrheal efficacy, bioactive composition, and toxicity profiles of P. barbatus extracts. Antidiarrheal activity and acute toxicity were carried out on Swiss albino mice. Quantitative phytocompound analysis was evaluated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LCMS). Results indicated that P. barbatus extract has antidiarrheal activity whereby it prolonged the start of diarrhea, causing a decline in the occurrence of wet feces and intestinal transit significantly. Additionally, the extract reduced the accumulation of intraluminal fluid resulting in the decrease in distension, intestinal overload, and water content in the fecal drops. Acute toxicity assay on mice showed that P. barbatus extract was non-toxic at the dosage level of 2000mg/kgbw(milligram/kilogram body weight). LCMS analysis detected presence of phytocompounds associated with antidiarrheal effects including forskolin, gallic, kaempferol, and quercetin. Findings from the current study offer a scientific validation for the folkloric utilization of P. barbatus in the management of diarrhea.

Antidiarrheal Activity of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Using Cassia ocidentalis in Castor Oil Induced Diarrhea Rats

Diarrhea is among the leading cause of death especially among children aged under 5 years. Zinc has been included in the management and treatment of diarrhea. Nanoparticle is gaining importance in medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle in castor oil-induced diarrheal rats. Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) was biosynthesized using Cassia occidentalis leaf. The biosynthesized ZnONP was characterized using ultraviolet (UV)-spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Twenty five albino rats were randomly grouped into five groups. All rats, except the control, were induced with diarrhea. Group1 received normal saline, group 2 received 3 mg/kg b.wt. loperamide while groups 3, 4 and 5 received 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg b.wt. biosynthesized ZnONP. UV spectroscopy showed an absorption peak at 320 nm. The SEM micrographs reveal the nanoparticles as flake like which are well agglomerated.. The SEM micrographs reveal the nanoparticles as flake like which are well agglomerated. The biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle significantly delayed the onset of diarrhea, decreased the number of wet feces, increased the percentage gastrointestinal tract (GIT) inhibition and decreased the volume of intestinal fluid. Biosynthesized zincoxide nanoparticle from Cassia occidentalis leaf can be used in the treatment of diarrhea.

Antispasmodic and antidiarrheal effects of Juniperus oxycedrus L. on the jejunum in rodents.

Functional bowel disorders (FBD) have a major potential to degrade the standards of public life. Juniperus oxycedrus L. (J. oxycedrus) (Cupressaceae) has been described as a plant used in traditional medicine as an antidiarrheal medication. The present study is the first to obtain information on the antispasmodic and antidiarrheic effects of J. oxycedrus aqueous extract through in vitro and in vivo studies. An aqueous extract of J. oxycedrus (AEJO) was extracted by decoctioning air-dried aerial sections of the plant. Antispasmodic activity was tested in an isolated jejunum segment of rats exposed to cumulative doses of drogue extract. The antidiarrheic activity was tested using diarrhea caused by castor oil, a transit study of the small intestine, and castor oil-induced enteropooling assays in mice. In the jejunum of rats, the AEJO (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/ml) diminished the maximum tone induced by low K+ (25 mM), while it exhibited a weak inhibitory effect on high K+ (75 mM) with an IC50=0.49 ± 0.01 mg/ml and IC50=2.65 ± 0.16 mg/ml, respectively. In the contractions induced by CCh (10-6 M), AEJO diminished the maximum tone, similar to that induced by low K+ (25 mM). with an IC50=0.45 ± 0.02 mg/ml. The inhibitory effect of AEJO on low K+ induced contractions was significantly diminished in the presence of glibenclamide (GB) (0.3 µM) and 4-aminopyrimidine (4-AP) (100 µM), with IC50 values of 1.84 ± 0.09 mg/ml. and 1.63 ± 0.16 mg/ml, respectively). The demonstrated inhibitory effect was similar to that produced by a non-competitive antagonist acting on cholinergic receptors and calcium channels. In castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice, AEJO (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) caused an extension of the latency time, a reduced defecation frequency, and a decrease in the amount of wet feces compared to the untreated group (distilled water). Moreover, it showed a significant anti-motility effect and reduced the amount of fluid accumulated in the intestinal lumen at all tested doses. These findings support the conventional use of Juniperus oxycedrus L. as a remedy for gastrointestinal diseases.

Real-Time Monitoring of Fecal Nitrogen Excretion to the Environment Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Study in Rabbits

The excessive excretion of nitrogen (N) by farm animals can pose severe environmental risks. In this study, near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to explore the feasibility of developing a real-time in situ monitoring tool for fecal N excretion in rabbits. A total of 70 feed and 282 fecal samples from an in vivo digestibility experiment were used. Feed and fecal NIR spectra were employed to develop chemometric models using modified partial least squares (MPLS) for feed and feces, and artificial neural networks (ANN) for feces to predict dietary and fecal N content and fecal N digestibility. Very good accuracy was achieved in predicting feed N (R2val = 0.96; standard error of prediction, SEP = 0.15) and fecal N (R2val = 0.88; SEP = 0.44) content, whereas N digestibility models from wet fecal spectra had a relatively low precision (R2val = 0.70; SEP = 0.018) with MPLS methodology. In contrast, ANNs yielded more robust prediction models for fecal (R2val = 0.98; SEP = 0.25) N content and N digestibility (R2val = 0.91; SEP = 0.012) using wet feces. In conclusion, NIRS calibration with ANNs can be a suitable tool for monitoring the environmental load of N with high precision and accuracy.

Antidiarrheal Activities of the Methanol Leaf Extracts of Olinia rochetiana (Oliniaceae) Against Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhea in Mice.

Olinia rochetiana has been used traditionally to cure diarrheal disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity and antidiarrheal effect of O. rochetiana leaf extracts. Cold maceration was used to extract plant leaf powder with 80% methanol. The extract's antidiarrheal action was tested against a castor oil-induced diarrheal model, a charcoal meal test, and enteropooling tests at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Negative controls received the vehicle at 10 mL/kg, while positive controls received loperamide at 3 mg/kg. From the study, no apparent toxicity was observed when a single dose of 2000 mg/kg was administered. In the castor oil-induced model, the extract delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced stool frequency, and decreased wet feces weight and number in a dose-dependent manner at 200 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01). The percent reduction in moist feces at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was 54.2, 23.97, and 18.26%, respectively, indicating a significant dose-dependent decrease. In a charcoal meal test, the extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a peristaltic index of 65 and 46%, respectively, with considerable inhibition of charcoal transport at 23 and 39%. The weight and volume of intestinal contents dropped significantly at a dose of 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01), which is 0.43 mg/kg, in the enteropooling test when compared with the tested dose. The computed in vivo antidiarrheal index revealed diarrheal inhibition values of 46.06 and 71.06% at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. In the current investigation, O. rochetiana showed significant antidiarrheal activity with no symptoms of toxicity in mice.

Water, mineral, and blood acid-base balance in calves with naturally occurring diarrhea receiving two alternative oral rehydration solutions or a placebo

Quantifying the water and mineral losses in feces is essential to determine the optimal composition of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) for diarrheic animals. In a randomized complete block design, this study evaluated water, mineral, and blood acid-base balance of calves with naturally occurring diarrhea receiving ORS or a placebo. On d 0, 45 calves (age: 18 ± 3.2 d; mean ± SD) were selected based on the presence of visual signs of diarrhea, such as dirty tail or wet feces, along with clinical symptoms evaluated by measuring the skin turgor and the degree of enophthalmos. On d 1, calves were divided into blocks of 3 animals based on blood base excess (BE) measured at 0900 h, and within each block, calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (15 calves per treatment) including (1) a hypertonic ORS (HYPER; Na+ = 110 mmol/L; 370 mOsm/kg; strong ion difference [SID] = 60 mEq/L), (2) a hypotonic ORS with low Na+ (HYPO; Na+ = 77 mmol/L; 278 mOsm/kg; SID = 71 mEq/L), and (3) a placebo consisting of lukewarm water with 5 g/L of whey powder (CON). Milk replacer (MR) was fed through teat buckets twice daily at 0630 h and 1700 h in 2 equally sized meals of 2.5 L from d 1 to 3 and of 3.0 L on d 4 and 5. Treatments consisting of 2.0 L lukewarm solutions were administered between milk meals from d 1 to 3 at 1200 h and 2030 h through teat buckets. Refusals of MR and treatments were recorded daily, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein once daily at arrival in the afternoon of d 0 and at 0900 h from d 1 to 5 after arrival. Urine and feces were collected quantitatively over a 48-h period from 1200 h on d 1 to 1200 h on d 3, and a representative sample of each 24-h period was stored. In addition, the volume of extracellular fluid was evaluated on d 2 by postprandial sampling over a 4-h period relative to the injection of sodium thiosulfate at 1300 h. Total daily fluid intake (MR, treatment, and water) from d 1 to 3 was greater in HYPER (LSM ± SEM; 8.9 ± 0.36 L/d) and HYPO (7.8 ± 0.34 L/d) than in CON (6.6 ± 0.34 L/d). This resulted in a greater water balance (water intake - fluid output in urine and feces) in calves receiving ORS (59.6 ± 6.28 g/kg BW per 24 h vs. 39.6 ± 6.08 g/kg BW per 24 h). Fecal Na+ losses were greater in HYPER than in the other treatments (81 ± 12.0 mg/kg BW per 24 h vs. 24 ± 11.8 mg/kg BW per 24 h). Blood pH was higher in HYPO (7.41 ± 0.016) than CON (7.35 ± 0.016) over the 5 monitoring days, whereas HYPER (7.37 ± 0.017) did not differ with other treatments. In this experimental model, diarrheic calves were likely unable to absorb the high Na+ load from HYPER, resulting in greater Na+ losses in feces, which might have impaired the alkalinizing capacity of HYPER. In contrast, HYPO significantly sustained blood acid-base balance compared with CON, whereas HYPER did not. This suggests that low tonicity ORS with a high SID are more suitable for diarrheic calves.

Effects of food matrix on the prebiotic efficacy of inulin-type fructans: a randomised trial

Abstract Recently there is much debate in the scientific community over the impact of the food matrix on prebiotic efficacy of inulin-type fructans. Previous studies suggest that prebiotic selectivity of inulin-type fructans towards bifidobacteria is unaffected by the food matrix. Due to differences in study design, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from these findings with any degree of certainty. In this randomised trial, we aimed to determine the effects that different food matrices had on the prebiotic efficacy of inulin-type fructans following a standardised 10-day, 4-arm, parallel, randomised protocol with inulin either in pure form or incorporated into shortbread biscuits, milk chocolate or a rice drink. Similar increases in Bifidobacterium counts were documented across all four interventions using both fluorescence in situ hybridisation (pure inulin: +0.63; shortbread: +0.59; milk chocolate: +0.65 and rice drink: +0.71 (log10 cells/g wet faeces) and 16S rRNA sequencing quantitative microbiome profiling data (pure inulin: +1.21 × 109; shortbread: +1.47 × 109; milk chocolate: +8.59 × 108 and rice drink: +1.04 × 109 (cells/g wet faeces) (all ). From these results, we can confirm that irrespective of the food matrix, the selectivity of inulin-type fructans towards Bifidobacterium is unaffected, yet the compositional make-up of the food matrix may have implications regarding wider changes in the microbiota.

Evaluation of Antidiarrheal, Antispasmodic, and Antisecretory Activities of Extract and Fractions of Castanopsis costata Leaves in Animal Models

Background: The use of traditional medicinal plants Castanopsis costata in the management of diarrhea is an ancient practice in North Sumatra, Indonesia, but its safety and efficacy have not been examined scientifically in animal models. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antidiarrheal effect of C. costata leaf extract and fractions in vivo. Methods: The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated against animal models of diarrhea induced by castor oil, charcoal meal, and entero-pooling test. The extract group received doses of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, while the fraction groups was treated with WFCC, EAFCC, and nHFCC, in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The negative control received 10 mL/kg of the dissolving vehicle, while the positive was treated with loperamide 3 mg/kg. Results: The results showed that EECC doses of 200 mg/kg, WFCC, and EAFCC at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively significantly delayed the onset of diarrhea, while WFCC and EAFCC at 100 mg/kg significantly reduced the amount of wet feces output and total feces output. In addition, only WFCC and EAFCC (at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) significantly reduced the mean weight of wet feces and total feces. The percentage of maximum diarrhea inhibition was observed at the EAFCC dose of 100 mg/kg. Based on the charcoal meal test results, only EAFCC significantly inhibited the distance traveled by charcoal meal and reduced the peristaltic index at a dose of 100 mg/kg, while the percentage decrease in gastrointestinal motility was 46.87%. Similarly, in the entero-pooling test, WFCC and EAFCC significantly reduced the volume and weight of intestinal contents at a dose of 100 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion: The results confirm that the extract and fractions of C. costata have antidiarrheal activity. Therefore, this study provides scientific support for the traditional use of C. costata in treating diarrhea.

Inactivation of Avian Influenza Viruses by Chemical Disinfectants and the Influence of Faecal Matter

Inactivation of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) using chemical disinfectants is an indispensable biosecurity measure during outbreaks. The efficiency of disinfection process depends on disinfectant type and presence or absence of organic matter. It is also not clear whether AIV pathotype could influence its tolerability to a given disinfectant. Here, we assessed the efficiency of formalin and caustic soda against high (H5N1) and low (H9N2) pathogenic AIVs in the presence and absence of wet faeces. Our results showed that the effectiveness of both disinfectants depends on the target virus with the low pathogenic H9N2 virus being generally more susceptible to disinfection than the high pathogenic H5N1 virus. Wet faeces slightly influenced disinfection action in a virus- and contact time- dependent manner. This study highlights the importance of eliminating faecal matter before initiating a disinfection process and indicates the influence of disinfectant type and AIVs pathotype when selecting the appropriate disinfectant.

A prototype system for the hydrothermal oxidation of feces

To ensure access to safe sanitation facilities in rural communities, cheap off-grid technologies need to be developed to substitute pit latrines and open defecation. In this study, we present a prototype system based on hydrothermal oxidation, which, under optimal conditions, converts a fecal sludge simulant almost completely to CO2 and water, leaving behind only a carbon-poor aqueous phase with the minerals. The prototype has been designed to process the feces from two households. This technology does not only enable a fast and complete conversion, but is potentially also very energy efficient, as the feed does not require any pre-treatment or drying. The system was found to effectively remove 97–99% of the total organic carbon within a reaction time of 600 s under an external energy demand of roughly 4 kWh per kilogram of wet feces by using the oxygen in air as an oxidant. A total of ten experiments with varying injection pressure, total solids content of the feed, and residence time in the reactor were performed to find experimental settings with high conversion. Only when the residence time was decreased from 600 to 300 s did the conversion fall significantly below 97%. To reach a target value of 99.9% TOC conversion, the reactor temperature and/or the residence time must be increased further. To achieve a system applicable in regions with no connection to the energy grid, the thermal loss of the reactor insulation needs to be lowered further to achieve an overall thermally self-sustaining operation.

Anti-Diarrheal Activities of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Acacia seyal (Fabaceae) Roots in Mice.

Traditionally, the root of Acacia seyal is used for the treatment of diarrhea. However, its efficacy has not been scientifically evaluated. Thus, this study aimed to validate the antidiarrheal activities using hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Acacia seyal roots in mice. In each model, mice were divided into five groups of six mice at random. Group I mice (negative controls) were given 1mL/100 g distilled water for hydromethanolic crude extract tests as well as n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions, while groups II, III, and IV were given 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of hydromethanolic crude extract or solvent fractions. Group V mice (positive control) were given 3 mg/kg Loperamide for the castor oil-induced diarrhea and enteropooling test. All of the doses were taken orally. However, Atropine sulfate, 5 mg/kg, was given intraperitoneally for the gastrointestinal motility test. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to examine the statistical significance of differences in the number and weight of wet and total feces, distance traveled by a charcoal meal, and intestinal fluid accumulation across groups. When compared to the vehicle-treated group, the crude extract and n-hexane fraction notably delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced the weight and volume of intestinal contents, and hindered the intestinal transit at all tested doses (P < 0.001). The ethyl acetate fraction also significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the weight of intestinal content at all doses examined. Only at 400 mg/kg did the aqueous fraction statistically (P < 0.01) prolonged the onset of diarrhea and impeded gastrointestinal motility. According to this study, the hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Acacia seyal roots have promising antidiarrheal effects.

Effect of miR-129-3p on autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal in slow transit constipation through SCF C-kit signaling pathway.

To explore the mechanism by which miR-129-3p affected the autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in slow transit constipation tissues through the SCF C-kit signaling pathway. Colon samples from 20 Slow transit constipation (STC) patients who underwent total colectomy plus ileorectal anastomosis or subtotal colon resection plus anti-peristaltic rectal anastomosis were collected in our hospital. The colon of 20 non-STC patients was used as control. The control of this study was 20 patients undergoing radical surgery for colon cancer (left colon cancer) in our hospital. Fifty healthy SPF Kunming mice were purchased from Liaoning Changsheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The mRNA expression of miR-129-3p in the STC group was lower than that in the control group (CTLR) group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of miR-129-3p in STC group was lower than that in the NC group (P<0.05), and mRNA expression in STC+miR-129-3p group was higher than that in STC+miR-NC group (P<0.05). In the first week, the weight of dry and wet feces of the STC group was lower than that of the NC mice (P<0.05), and the weight of dry feces and wet feces of the STC group was lower than that of the NC group at the 2, 3, and 4 weeks, STC+miR-129 -3p was higher than that in the STC group (P<0.05). The increased expression of C-kit and SCF regulated by miR-129-3p contributed to the protection of interstitial cells. Knockdown of miR-129-3p expression could inhibit the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce cell proliferation activity.

Evaluation of Antidiarrheal Activity of Leea aequata L. (Family: Vitaceae) in Mice Models

Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons for why thousands of people die every year particularly in the underdeveloped and developing country. Furthermore, the identification of new antidiarrheal medication sources has become one of the most prominent areas of contemporary study. In addition, the plants of the Leea species are used traditionally for the treatment of diarrhea in different cultures. Considering this background, present study was to look into the antidiarrheal effects of an ethanolic extract of Leea aequata L. leaves in mice. The castor oil induced diarrhea and the small intestinal transit models were utilized in this study to examine the extract's potential antidiarrheal efficacy. The extract was given to the test groups in various quantities (100, 200 mg/kg), whereas positive controls got loperamide (3 mg/kg) and negative controls received distilled water (10 ml/kg). In a model of diarrhea caused by castor oil, 200 mg/kg of the extract significantly (p&lt;0.01) decreased the total number of bowel movements. The extracts also demonstrate a substantial (p&lt;0.05) reduction in the frequency of wet defecation at all doses. The onset of diarrhea was extended with dose of the extracts which is statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). At higher doses, the extract caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in the weight and volume of wet feces. Furthermore, in the charcoal meal test, increasing doses of the extract caused a substantial (p&lt;0.01) reduction in gastrointestinal motility. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phytosterols that may play a key role in its antidiarrheal activity. The results of our study indicate that bioactive compounds are present in ethanolic leaf extract of our plant including significant antidiarrheal activity and thus provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of this plant as a treatment for diarrhea. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 25(2): 180-187, 2022 (July)

Evaluation of In vivo antidiarrheal activity of hydro-methanolic extract of the root of Rumex nepalensis in Swiss Albino mice

BackgroundNatural products have been utilized by human beings for thousands of years to relieve a variety of ailments, including diarrhea. Conventional antidiarrheal drugs are associated with multiple adverse effects and contraindications. Traditionally, Rumex nepalensis by crushing the root, mix with water and then drunk the juice is extensively used for treating diarrhea. However, no scientific research has been done yet to support its antidiarrheal efficacy and safety. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity and safety profile of the plant in mice. MethodsThe hydro-methanolic extract was extracted through a cold maceration technique using 80% methanol. Castor oil-induced diarrheal, gastro-intestinal transit, and enteropooling models have been employed to assess the antidiarrheal activity of the test extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. ResultsThe crude root extract caused no mortality at a single limit test dose of 2 g/kg throughout the first 24 h and for the rest of the 14 days. In a castor oil-induced diarrheal model, the hydro-methanolic extract markedly delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced the weight of wet and total feces at 100 (P<.05), 200 (P<.01), and 400 mg/kg (P<.001) test doses. Meanwhile, at 200 (P<.01) and 400 mg/kg (P<.001) doses, the plant extract considerably lowered the weight and volume of intestinal contents. In the gastro-intestinal transit model, however, a dramatic inhibition in the charcoal meal travel was noticed at 100 (P<.05), 200 (P<.01), and 400 mg/kg (P<.001) test doses. The peak antidiarrheal index was exhibited at the highest dose of the test extract. ConclusionThe study speculated that Rumex nepalensis root extract possesses antidiarrheal activity, which could be owing to its inhibitory effect on both gastro-intestinal motility and fluid secretion.

Antidiarrheal Effect of 80% Methanol Extract and Fractions of the Leaves of Ocimum lamiifolium in Swiss Albino Mice.

Introduction Worldwide, in children of under five years of age, diarrhea is responsible for more than 760,000 annual deaths. It is treated with both modern drugs and traditional medicinal plants, including O. lamiifolium. But the use of this plant as an antidiarrheal agent is not scientifically validated. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate antidiarrheal efficacy of the plant. Method The leaf powder was macerated by 80% methanol and then fractionated using n-hexane, n-butanol, and distilled water. Antidiarrheal activity was evaluated through different models (castor oil-induced diarrhea, enteropooling, and motility) using onset, number of wet feces, fluid content, weight and volume of intestinal content, and motility as test parameters by administering treatment doses to groups of mice. Group I received 10 mL/kg of the dissolving vehicle, Group II received either loperamide or atropine, and Groups III-V received extract doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. Results The crude extract exhibited a significant effect on the fluid content of feces at all tested doses. Additionally, the n-butanol and distilled water fractions revealed significant effects on onset of diarrhea at 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05), while the n-hexane fraction showed significant effects on number of wet feces, onset, and fluid content of feces at all tried doses. The crude extract and all the fractions (at 200 and 400 mg/kg) decreased the weight and volume of intestinal content significantly. Similarly, both the crude extract and distilled water fraction at 400 mg/kg as well as n-butanol and n-hexane fractions at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed meaningful differences on peristaltic index as compared to the negative control. Conclusion The results revealed that the leaf extract of O. lamiifolium has an antidiarrheal activity, which supports the traditional medical practice.

Neuropharmacological and Antidiarrheal Potentials of Duabanga grandiflora (DC.) Walp. Stem Bark and Prospective Ligand-Receptor Interactions of Its Bioactive Lead Molecules.

Duabanga grandiflora (DC.) Walp. is an ethnomedicinally significant plant used to treat various illnesses, but there is little scientific evidence to support its use. This study explored the pharmacological activities of methanol extract of D. grandiflora stem barks (MEDG) through in vivo approaches in Swiss albino mice and a computer-aided molecular approach. The forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM), and hole board test (HBT) were used to determine anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity in experimental mice. In addition, anti-diarrheal studies were performed using castor oil-induced diarrhea, castor oil-induced enter pooling, and the charcoal-induced gastrointestinal motility test. MEDG showed substantial depletions in the immobility times in both FST and TST after treatment with the MEDG extract, whereas moderate anxiolytic activity was manifested at a higher dose (400 mg/kg) compared with the control. Correspondingly, MEDG extract revealed a significant reduction in wet feces and decreased the small intestinal transit of charcoal meal in castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal-induced gastrointestinal motility test. In the computer-aided molecular approaches, vanillin displayed a promising binding score for both anxiolytic and anti-diarrheal activities, while duabanganal C showed a promising score for the anti-depressant activity. The present experimental findings along with a computer-aided model conclude that MEDG could be a possible Phyto therapeutic agent with potential anti-depressant, anxiolytic and anti-diarrheal activity.