Phytochemical constituent and anti-diarrhoea potential of the stem bark of <em>Anthocleista vogelii </em>aqueous extract in albino rats

Abstract

Anthocleista vogelii also known as cabbage tree is shrub-like tropical plants, reported to be useful in treating different diseases like hypertension, ulcer and fertility. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical constituent of A. vogelii and its antidiarrhoea potentials. Aqueous extract of the stem bark of Anthocleista vogelii was used to treat castor oil induced diarrhoea in albino rats. The degree of gastrointestinal movement and wet fecal counts were measured. Phytochemical result of the plant revealed the presence of bioactive components such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannin, oxalate, steroid, saponin, phytate and cyanogenic glycoside. The percentage values of these components were 79.84, 54.53, 25.39, 22.82, 20.32, 2.26, 1.80 and 1.44 µg/ml respectively. A. vogelii extract (100, 300 and 500) mg/kg administered to the animals showed decrease in the gastrointestinal motility. The charcoal meal motility was inhibited and there was decrease in intestinal fluid electrolyte (Na+, K+, Cl- and HCO3-).The result obtained showed that aqueous extract of A. vogelii contains some pharmacologically active substance with anti-diarrhoea properties.