Evaluation of the antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties of Justicia hypocrateriformis. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Agbor, Gabriel A.; Longo, Frida; Makong, Estelle A.; Tarkang, Protus Arrey
• Is Part Of: Pharmaceutical biology. Volume 52:Number 9(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1128
• Page End: 1133
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Materia medica, Vegetable -- Periodicals; 615.321
• DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.879189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-0209

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Content</italic>: <italic>Justicia hypocrateriformis</italic> Vahl (Acanthaceae) is used as an herbal remedy for diarrhea in Cameroon folk medicine.</p> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: This study evaluates the antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of <italic>J. hypocrateriformis</italic> (JH).</p> <p> <italic>Materials and methods</italic>: Preliminary phytochemical screening and an acute toxicity testing of the extract were carried out. The antidiarrheal activity of JH extract (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) was assessed at curative and preventive levels in castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice. The antioxidant activity was measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content, and radical scavenging activity.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: A high lethal dose (LD<sub>50</sub>) of 14.35 g/kg obtained in acute toxicity implies the extract is not toxic. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, and anthocyanins. JH showed a significant protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea as evidenced by a decrease in the number of defecation and wet stool. JH (100–500 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a non-significant dose-dependent decrease in castor oil-induced intestinal transit in the preventive study. In the curative and in healthy mice study, the decrease was only significant at 500 mg/kg. JH possessed a radical scavenging activity with an IC<sub>50</sub> of 9.93 mg/ml compared to 4.90 mg/ml for catechin. JH FRAP of 2703.77 ± 0 mg/g (catechin equiv) and phenolic concentration of 14 169.99 ± 612.39 mg/g (catechin equiv) were also obtained.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: <italic>Justicia hypocrateriformis</italic> extract possesses antidiarrheal activity supported by its antioxidant potential and phytochemical constituents.</p> </abstract>