ANTI-DIARRHOEA PROPERTIES OF SPHEMOCENTRUM JOLLYNUM LEAF AQUEOUS EXTRACT IN CASTOL OIL AND MG SULPHATE INDUCED DIARRHOEA IN MICE

Herbal medicine has a long history as part of traditional healthcare systems. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a medicinal plant, has shown promise due to its phytochemical properties and potential health benefits. This study investigated the antidiarrheal efficacy of Sphenocentrum jollyanum leaf aqueous extract (SJLAE) in animal models. Fresh leaves of Sphenocentrum jollyanum were collected and processed by air-drying and aqueous extraction. The crude aqueous extract was prepared by maceration. Twenty Swiss albino mice were acclimatized and divided into control and experimental groups. Diarrhea was induced using castor oil and magnesium sulfate. The mice received different doses of SJLAE, with loperamide used as a standard reference drug. Defecation frequency, stool weight, and diarrhea onset were monitored for six hours. SJLAE administration significantly delayed stool onset and reduced the total number of stools, the number of diarrhea episodes, and stool weight in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group. The results suggest that SJLAE's antidiarrheal effects may involve mechanisms such as inhibiting intestinal motility, reducing fluid secretion, and potentially through anti-inflammatory or antioxidant pathways. These findings support the potential of Sphenocentrum jollyanum as a source for further research and development of plant-based diarrhea treatments.