Piliostigma reticulatum
(Caesalpiniaceae) is used in Africa as a traditional medicine for the treatment of many
diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and diarrhoea. We investigated the antidiarrhoeal properties of a crude ethanol extract
from the stem bark of
Piliostigma reticulatum (EEPR) in Wistar albino rats to substantiate its traditional use and to determine
its phytochemical constituents. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the plant extract was evaluated in a castor oil-induced diarrhoea
model in rats and compared with loperamide. The effect of the extract on gastrointestinal motility was also determined by the
oral administration of charcoal meal and castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling). EEPR showed
remarkable dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal activity evidenced by a reduction of defecation frequency and change in
consistency. Extracts at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced diarrhoeal faeces. EEPR also
significantly inhibited gastrointestinal motility and castor oil-induced enteropooling at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, similar to the
inhibition obtained in control rats treated by atropine. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids,
polyphenols and reducing sugars in the stem bark of
P. reticulatum. No mortality or visible signs of general weakness were
observed in the rats following administration of the crude extract in doses up to 6000 mg/kg body weight in an acute toxicity
study. Our results show that the stem bark of
P. reticulatum possesses antidiarrhoeal activity and strongly suggest that its use
in traditional medicine practice could be justified.
