In vivo evaluation of antidiarrhoeal activity of the seed of Swietenia macrophylla king (Meliaceae)

Purpose: The seeds of Swietenia macrophylla are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea. Thus the petroleum ether extract of Swietenia macrophylla (Meliaceae) seeds was investigated for its anti-diarrhoeal property in Wister albino rats to substantiate folklore claim. Methods: Petroleum ether extract of the seeds of this plant, at graded doses (25, 50 & 100mg/kg body weight) was investigated for anti-diarrhoeal activity in term of reduction in the rate of defecation and consistency of faeces in castor oil induced diarrhoea. To understand the mechanism of its antidiarrhoeal activity, its effect was further evaluated on intestinal transit and castor oil induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling). Results: At various doses (25, 50 & 100mg/kg body weight) the extract showed a remarkable antidiarrhoeal activity evidenced by the reduction in the rate of defecation and consistency of faeces. Results are comparable to that of standard drug diphenoxylate (50mg/kg body weight). A single oral dose of Swietenia macrophylla extract of 100mg/kg body weight produced a significant decrease in the severity of diarrhoea. Extract produced profound decrease in intestinal transit (4.45-34.60%) also significantly inhibited castor oil induced enteropooling comparable to that of intraperitoneal injection of standard drug atropine sulphate at doses of 0.1 mg/kg body weight and 3 mg/kg body weight respectively. Conclusions: Experimental findings showed that petroleum ether extract of seeds of Swietenia macrophylla possess significant anti-diarrhoeal activity and may be a potent source of anti-diarrhoeal drug in future.