The effects of aqueous extracts of the leaves of
Ocimum gratissimum
and calyces of
Hibiscus sabdariffa
on intestinal transit were determined in experimental rats The leaves of
Ocimum gratissimum were oven dried and then pulverized. The dried calyces of
Hibiscus sabdariffa were also pulverized. 10% extracts of both powders were made and administered orally to rats at varying doses. Test rats were given the 10% extracts of
Ocimum gratissimum and
Hibiscus sabdariffa at 0.5/100g, 1ml/100g, 2ml/100g body weight. Control rats received saline instead of extracts. After 30 minutes, each animal was then given 1.5 ml of a dye solution orally. 1 hour after administering the dye each rat was sacrificed and the intestine carefully dissected out. The length of the intestine and the transit point of the orally administered dye were then measured. The transit point was calculated as a percentage of the total length of the intestine. The extracts of both
Ocimum gratissimum and
Hibiscus sabdariffa caused a reduction in the transit points of the dye. The extract of
Hibiscus sabdariffa was more effective. The reduction in transit point, and hence the increase in transit time by both extracts indicates that the plants could be useful at appropriate doses in the control of diarrhea.
Hibiscus sabdariffa would be more effective in this regard.
