This study investigated the anti diarrhoeal activity of the aqueous extract of dried ground leaves of
Eremomastax speciosa
(Hochst.) Acanthaceae. Diarrhea was induced in mice by the administration of 0.2 ml of castor oil, with the control group receiving water. The administration by oral garvage of 400 or 800 mg/kg body weight of
Eremomastax speciosa extract reduced castor oil induced diarrheoa by reducing the number of wet stools by 42.50 and 48.35% respectively. This was as a result of the ability of the extract to stimulate the reabsorption of water from the intestinal lumen as well as significantly reducing the intestinal transit time and intestinal motility. This antidiarrhoeal property could be as a result of the tannins and flavonoids, which were found to be present in
Eremomastax speciosa.
