ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (4), pp. 001-007, April, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial properties of crude aqueous stem bark extract and fractions of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex G. Don
A. Y. Tijani1, S. E. Okhale 2, T. A. Salawu3*, H. O.Onigbanjo3, L. A Obianodo1, J. A Akingbasote1, O. A. Salawu1, J. I. Okogun2, F. O. Kunle2 and M. Emeje4
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, Nigeria.
2Department of Medicinal Plants Research and Traditional Medicine, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, Nigeria.
3Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, Nigeria.
4Department of pharmaceutical Technology and Raw material Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, Nigeria.
Accepted 16 January, 2012
Abstract
Stem bark of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex G. Don (Fabaceae) is used in African traditional medicine for management of diarrhoea- related disorders. The anti-diarrhoeal and anti-microbial activities of the aqueous stem bark extract of P. biglobosa and its fractions designated PF1-PF4 were investigated in mice and against selected diarrhoea-causing micro-organisms. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract in mice was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg B.W. The extract and its column chromatographic fraction F3 significantly (p < 0.05) and dose-dependently reduced frequency of stooling in castor- oil-induced diarrhoea, castor-oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation and intestinal transit. The crude extract as well as fractions F3 and F4 strongly inhibited growth of selected micro-organisms. The study showed that the aqueous extract possess both anti-diarrhoeal and anti-microbial activities. The anti-diarrhoeal action may be linked partly to direct inhibitory effect of the extract on the propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal tract smooth muscle, and the anti-microbial effect on the diarrhoea-causing pathogenic organisms.
Key words: Antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, Parkia biglobosa, fractions, castor oil.