Essential oil of Eugenia stictopetala Mart. ex DC. has antioxidant, antibacterial, and gastrointestinal protective effect.

This work aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, and intestinal and gastric protective effects, in addition to the acute toxicity of the essential oil of E. stictopetala (EOEs). (E)-caryophyllene (18.01%), ß-pinene (8.84%), and (E)-nerolidol (8.24%), were the components found in higher content in the essential oil. The EOEs showed antioxidant capacity with IC50 values ranging from 220.28 to 283.67 µg/mL, in addition to presenting antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes. The essential oil showed a gastroprotective effect, with a reduction in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, having multiple pharmacological mechanisms of action. An antidiarrheal effect of EOEs was observed in the castor oil-induced diarrheal model, with reduced intestinal motility. Our findings demonstrate that essential oil can be beneficial in pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications for treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Effects of Essential Oils of Elettaria cardamomum Grown in India and Guatemala on Gram-Negative Bacteria and Gastrointestinal Disorders.

The present study examined the chemical composition and antimicrobial and gastrointestinal activity of the essential oils of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton harvested in India (EC-I) and Guatemala (EC-G). Monoterpenes were present in higher concentration in EC-I (83.24%) than in EC-G (73.03%), whereas sesquiterpenes were present in a higher concentration in EC-G (18.35%) than in EC-I (9.27%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL were demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in EC-G and EC-I, respectively, whereas MICs of 1 and 0.5 mg/mL were demonstrated against Escherichia coli in EC-G and EC-I, respectively. The treatment with control had the highest kill-time potential, whereas the treatment with oils had shorter kill-time. EC-I was observed to be more potent in the castor oil-induced diarrhea model than EC-G. At 100 and 200 mg/kg, P.O., EC-I exhibited 40% and 80% protection, respectively, and EC-G exhibited 20% and 60% protection, respectively, in mice, whereas loperamide (10 mg/kg, i.p., positive control) exhibited 100% protection. In the in vitro experiments, EC-I inhibited both carbachol (CCh, 1 µM) and high K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions at significantly lower concentrations than EC-G. Thus, EC-I significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa and E. coli and exhibited more potent antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects than EC-G.

Toxicological and Pharmacological Activities of Leptohyptis macrostachys (Benth.) Harley and J.F.B.Pastore (Lamiaceae) on Intestinal Smooth Muscle.

Leptohyptis macrostachys, previously known as Hyptis macrostachys Benth., is used in folk medicine to relieve the symptoms of asthma, cough, and bronchitis. Recently, we showed that the ethanol extract obtained from Leptohyptis macrostachys has selective spasmolytic activity on guinea pig ileum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the spasmolytic mechanism of this extract, investigated whether it presents toxicological and antidiarrheal activities. Therefore, the crude ethanolic extract of Leptohyptis macrostachys was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatographic-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The spasmolytic effect was evaluated on guinea pig ileum, toxicological activity using rats and antidiarrheal activity using male and female mice. In HPLC-DAD analysis, Rosmarinic acid (5.44%) was the most abundant phenolic compound, being considered as a chemical marker. The spasmolytic potency of the extract on histamine-induced contraction was reduced in the presence of 1 mM TEA+, a selective big-conductance K+ channels blocker (BKCa). The extract produces a dose-dependent antidiarrheal activity, inhibiting equipotently defecation frequency and liquid stool formation. In addition, the extract has inhibited in a dose-dependent manner both castor oil-induced intestinal transit and intestinal fluid content. Thus, the spasmolytic activity of the extract involves positive modulation of BKCa and its antidiarrheal activity is related to inhibition of intestinal motility and secretion.

Antidiarrheal, vasorelaxant, and neuropharmacological actions of the diterpene tilifodiolide.

Salvia tiliifolia is used in folk medicine as a relaxant agent and for the treatment of diarrhea and neurodegenerative diseases. Tilifodiolide (TFD) is a diterpene obtained from this plant. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the antidiarrheal, vasorelaxant, and neuropharmacological actions of TFD. These effects were selected based on the folk medicinal use of S. tiliifolia. The antidiarrheal activity of 1-50 mg/kg p.o. TFD was assessed with the castor oil related tests. The vasorelaxant effect of TFD (0.9-298 µM) was performed with smooth muscle tissues from rats, and its mechanism of action was evaluated using different inhibitors. The sedative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects of 1-100 mg/kg TFD were assessed. The possible mechanisms of action of the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of TFD were evaluated using inhibitors. TFD exhibited antidiarrheal (ED50 = 10.62 mg/kg) and vasorelaxant (EC50 = 48 ± 3.51 µM) effects. The coadministration of TFD with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), reverted the vasorelaxant action showed by TFD alone. TFD exerted anxiolytic actions (ED50 = 20 mg/kg) in the cylinder exploratory test, whereas TFD (50 mg/kg) showed antidepressant actions in the tail suspension test by 44%. The pretreatment with 2 mg/kg flumazenil partially reverted the anxiolytic actions of TFD, whereas the pretreatment with 1 mg/kg yohimbine abolished the antidepressant effects of TFD. In summary, TFD exerted antidiarrheal activity by decreasing the intestinal fluid accumulation and vasorelaxant effects mediated by nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. TFD showed anxiolytic and antidepressant effects by the partial involvement of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and the possible participation of α2-adrenoreceptors, respectively.

Antidiarrheal activity of a novel sulfated polysaccharide from the red seaweed Gracilaria cervicornis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The use of marine seaweeds as a source of natural compounds with medicinal purposes is increasing in Western countries in the last decades, becoming an important alternative in the traditional medicine of many developing countries, where diarrhea still remains a severe public health problem, with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Sulfated polysaccharides (PLS) extracted from red seaweeds can exhibit therapeutic effects for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, the pharmacological properties of the PLS from Gracilaria cervicornis, an endemic seaweed found in the Brazilian northeast coast, was evaluated as an alternative natural medication for diarrhea. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of sulfated polysaccharides (PLS) extracted from the red seaweed G. cervicornis in Swiss mice pre-treated with castor oil or cholera toxin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The seaweed Gracilaria cervicornis was collected at Flecheiras beach (city of Trairí, State of Ceará, Brazil) and the PLS was obtained through enzymatic extraction and administered in mice (25-30 g) before diarrhea induction with castor oil or cholera toxin. For the evaluation of the total number of fecal output and diarrheal feces, the animals were placed in cages lined with adsorbent material. The evaluation of intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling) on castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice occurred by dissecting the small intestine and measuring its volume. The determination of Na+/K+-ATPase activity was measured in the small intestine supernatants by colorimetry, using commercial biochemistry kits. The gastrointestinal motility was evaluated utilizing an activated charcoal as a food tracer. The intestinal fluid secretion and chloride ion concentration were evaluated in intestinal closed loops in mice with cholera toxin-induced secretory diarrhea. The binding ability of PLS with GM1 and/or cholera toxin was evaluated by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The G. cervicornis PLS showed antidiarrheal effects in both acute and secretory diarrhea, reducing the total number of fecal output, diarrheic stools, intestinal fluid accumulation, and increasing small intestine Na+/K+-ATPase activity on castor oil-induced diarrhea. However, the PLS did not affect gastrointestinal motility, indicating that this compound has a different action mechanism than loperamide. In secretory diarrhea, the PLS decreased intestinal fluid secretion and small intestine chloride excretion, binding with GM1 and/or cholera toxin and blocking their attachment to the enterocyte cell surface. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, PLS has a significant antidiarrheal effect in acute and secretory diarrhea. Further investigation is needed towards its use as a natural medicine to treat diarrhea.

Antidiarrheal activity of extracts from Maytenus gonoclada and inhibition of Dengue virus by lupeol

ABSTRACT Diarrhea is an infectious disease caused by bacterial, virus, or protozoan, and dengue is caused by virus, included among the neglected diseases in several underdeveloped and developing countries, with an urgent demand for new drugs. Considering the antidiarrheal potential of species of Maytenus genus, a phytochemical investigation followed by antibacterial activity test with extracts of branches and heartwood and bark of roots from Maytenus gonoclada were conducted. Moreover, due the frequency of isolation of lupeol from Maytenus genus the antiviral activity against Dengue virus and cytotoxicity of lupeol and its complex with β-cyclodextrins were also tested. The results indicated the bioactivity of ethyl acetate extract from branches and ethanol extract from heartwood of roots of M. gonoclada against diarrheagenic bacteria. The lupeol showed potent activity against Dengue virus and low cytotoxicity in LLC-MK2 cells, but its complex with β-cyclodextrin was inactive. Considering the importance of novel and selective antiviral drug candidates the results seem to be promising.

Maytenus erythroxylon Reissek (Celastraceae) ethanol extract presents antidiarrheal activity via antimotility and antisecretory mechanisms.

AIM: To investigate the acute toxicity, phytochemical profile, antidiarrheal activity and mechanisms of action of Maytenus erythroxylon (M. erythroxylon) ethanol extract. METHODS: A castor oil-induced diarrhea model was used to evaluate antidiarrheal activity. Intestinal transit and gastric emptying protocols were used to evaluate a possible antimotility effect. KATP channels, nitric oxide, presynaptic α2-adrenergic and tissue adrenergic receptors were investigated to uncover antimotility mechanisms of action and castor oil-induced enteropooling to elucidate antisecretory mechanisms. RESULTS: All tested doses of the extract (62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) possessed antidiarrheal activity, with a significant decrease of the evacuation index. This activity is possibly related to a reduced gastric emptying (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) and to a decreased percentage of intestinal transit for all tested doses. That last effect seems to be modulated by nitric oxide, KATP channels and tissue adrenergic receptors. Besides, the extract also presented antisecretory effect due to a decrease of intestinal fluid accumulation. CONCLUSION: The antidiarrheal effect of M. erythroxylon found in this study involves antimotility and antisecretory mechanisms that may be attributed to the chemical compounds found in this species: saponins, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and steroids.

Antidiarrheal Thymol Derivatives from Ageratina glabrata. Structure and Absolute Configuration of 10-Benzoyloxy-8,9-epoxy-6-hydroxythymol Isobutyrate.

Chemical investigation of the leaves from Ageratina glabrata yielded four new thymol derivatives, namely: 10-benzoyloxy-8,9-dehydro-6-hydroxythymol isobutyrate (4), 10-benzoyloxy-8,9-dehydrothymol (5), 10-benzoyloxythymol (6) and 10-benzoyloxy-6,8-dihydroxy-9-isobutyryl-oxythymol (7). In addition, (8S)-10-benzoyloxy-8,9-epoxy-6-hydroxythymol isobutyrate (1), together with other two already known thymol derivatives identified as 10-benzoyloxy-8,9-epoxy-6-methoxythymol isobutyrate (2) and 10-benzoyloxy-8,9-epoxythymol isobutyrate (3) were also obtained. In this paper, we report the structures and complete assignments of the ¹H and (13)C-NMR data of compounds 1-7, and the absolute configuration for compound 1, unambiguously established by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and evaluation of the Flack parameter. The in vitro antiprotozoal assay showed that compound 1 and its derivative 1a were the most potent antiamoebic and antigiardial compounds. Both compounds showed selectivity and good antiamoebic activity comparable to emetine and metronidazole, respectively, two antiprotozoal drugs used as positive controls. In relation to anti-propulsive effect, compound 1 and 1a showed inhibitory activity, with activities comparable to quercetin and compound 9, two natural antipropulsive compounds used as positive controls. These data suggest that compound 1 may play an important role in antidiarrheal properties of Ageratina glabrata.

Solanum paniculatum root extract reduces diarrhea in rats

Abstract Solanum paniculatum L., Solanaceae, locally known as "jurubeba", is widely used in Brazil for culinary purposes, and in folk medicine to treat of diverse disorder including gastric dysfunctions. In this study we investigated the antidiarrheal activity of S. paniculatum roots extract in rats at different concentrations (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o) using different experimental models such as castor oil-induced diarrhea, enteropooling and gastrointestinal motility, determined by in vivo experimental models. The major compound of root extract was characterized as chlorogenic acid based in the IR, 1D and 2D NMR analysis. All the extract doses achieved antidiarrheal potency, as indicated by reduced weight of feces in castor oil-induced diarrhea, decreased intestinal motility and significantly inhibited castor oil-induced enteropooling compared to the vehicle group. The highest dose (500 mg/kg) produced greater anti-motility effect and better reduction of enteropooling, similar to the reference drug Loperamide (5 mg/kg). Extract from S. paniculatum L. roots had antidiarrheal activity, as shown by the lower weight of the feces as well as decrease in the accumulation of intestinal fluid and slower transit, justifying the traditional use of plant for diarrhea.

Cissus sicyoides: Pharmacological Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antidiarrheal Activities.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal actions of hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Cissus sicyoides (HECS). The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by oral administration of HECS against acute model of edema induced by xylene, and the mechanisms of action were analysed by involvement of arachidonic acid (AA) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The antidiarrheal effect of HECS was observed and we analyzed the motility and accumulation of intestinal fluid. We also analyzed the antidiarrheal mechanisms of action of HECS by evaluating the role of the opioid receptor, α2 adrenergic receptor, muscarinic receptor, nitric oxide (NO) and PGE2. The oral administration of HECS inhibited the edema induced by xylene and AA and was also able to significantly decrease the levels of PGE2. The extract also exhibited significant anti-diarrheal activity by reducing motility and intestinal fluid accumulation. This extract significantly reduced intestinal transit stimulated by muscarinic agonist and intestinal secretion induced by PGE2. Our data demonstrate that the mechanism of action involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of HECS is related to PGE2. The antidiarrheal effect of this extract may be mediated by inhibition of contraction by acting on the intestinal smooth muscle and/or intestinal transit.

Phytochemical and biological investigations of methanol extract of leaves of ziziphus mauritiana lam / Investigaciones fitoquímicas y biológicas de extractos metanólicos de hojas de ziziphus mauritiana lam

Seven compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated as y-fagarine (1), beta-sitosterol (2), stigmasterol (3), alfa-amyrin (4), lupeol (5), beta-amyrin (6) and betulin (7) by extensive spectroscopic studies and by co-TLC with authentic samples. This is the first report of isolation of compounds 1-7 from this plant species. The extractives from leaves were investigated for thrombolytic, membrane stabilizing, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal and analgesic potentials along with sleep inducing property on animal model. The thrombolytic and membrane stabilizing activities were assessed by using human erythrocyte comparing with standard streptokinase and acetylsalicylic acid, respectively. The methanolic extract reduced frequency of diarrheal faeces when compared to the standard loperamide. In castor oil induced diarrhea in mice a dose dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transits were observed. In radiant heat tail-flick method the methanol extract showed moderate antinociceptive activity, compared to standard morphine.

Siete compuestos fueron aislados del extracto metanólico de hojas de Ziziphus mauritiana. Las estructuras de los compuestos aislados fueron identificadas como y-fagarina (1), beta-sitosterol (2), estigmasterol (3), alfa-amirina (4), lupeol (5), beta-amirina (6) y betulina (7 ) por medio de extensivos estudios espectroscópicos y por co-TLC con muestras auténticas. Este es el primer informe de aislamiento de los compuestos 1-7 a partir de esta especie vegetal. Los extractos de las hojas fueron investigados por efectos trombolíticos, estabilizadores de membrana, antimicrobianos, antidiarreicos y potenciales analgésicos junto a la propiedad de inducir sueño en el modelo animal. Las actividades trombolíticos y la estabilización de la membrana se evaluaron mediante el uso de eritrocitos humanos comparando con estreptoquinasa estándar y el ácido acetilsalicílico, respectivamente. El extracto metanólico redujo la frecuencia de las heces diarreicas en comparación con el estándar de loperamida. En la inducción por aceite de ricino de diarrea en ratones, se observó una disminución dosis dependiente de los tránsitos gastrointestinales. En el método del coletazo producido por calor radiante, el extracto metabólico mostró una actividad antinociceptiva moderada, en comparación con la morfina estándar.

A mixture of chamomile and star anise has anti-motility and antidiarrheal activities in mice

Diarrhea is a serious public health problem in Mexico and other countries. A widely used alternative in the treatment of diarrhea is the use of herbal medicines. Infusions of chamomile and star anise possess anti-inflammatory and antimotility properties that could help alleviate gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the mixture of chamomile and star anise infusions on gastrointestinal activity in mice. A gastrointestinal assessment of the mixture of chamomile and star anise was carried out in mice, and the percentage of advance of administered activated carbon through the intestinal tract of the animals was measured. Furthermore, the diarrhea model was induced with castor oil. The infusions were prepared using a mix with a 50:50 ratio of the herbs, and were administered at Mix-10, 20, 40 and 80 (mg/kg) orally. The results indicate that Mix-40 and Mix-80 decreased the completion percentage of the activated carbon, delayed the appearance of diarrhea and decreased the number of evacuations in comparison with the control group. This suggests that the combination of chamomile and star anise can be used as an alternative antidiarrheal treatment.

Disminución de tránsito intestinal y ausencia de toxicología aguda preclínicas de la decocción de partes aéreas frescas de Phania matricarioides (Spreng. ) Griseb / Reduction of the intestinal transit and lack of preclinical acute toxicology of decoction from Phania matricarioides (Spreng. ) Griseb fresh aerial parts

Introducción: la decocción de partes aéreas frescas de Phania matricarioides (Spreng. ) Griseb (manzanilla), se emplea tradicionalmente en Cuba para afecciones digestivas como malas digestiones y diarrea aguda simple; no se encontraron estudios de validación preclínica del efecto antidiarreico y su seguridad. Objetivos: evaluar la acción sobre el tránsito intestinal y la toxicología aguda oral y tópica en modelos preclínicos de la decocción de partes aéreas frescas de Phania matricarioides. Métodos: se colectaron las partes aéreas frescas de Phania matricarioides y se realizó decocción (30 y 50 por ciento). Se aplicó el modelo experimental: tránsito intestinal en ratones con una sola administración de la decocción al 30 por ciento en dosis de 1,0, 5,0 y 10,0 g de material vegetal/kg de peso corporal por 1 día; y en dosis de 1,0 y 5,0 g de material vegetal/kg de peso corporal por 4 días. El estudio toxicológico oral y tópico (decocción 50 por ciento) se efectuó en los modelos: clases tóxicas agudas y toxicidad dérmica aguda en ratas con dosis de 2 000 mg/kg de peso corporal e irritabilidad dérmica primaria en conejos. Resultados: la decocción administrada por 1 día no modificó de forma significativa el tránsito intestinal, la administración por 4 días disminuyó de forma significativa y dosis dependiente el tránsito intestinal (5,0 g/kg). en el estudio toxicológico no se produjo ninguna muerte, no se evidenciaron signos de toxicidad ni lesiones macroscópicas en los órganos de las ratas, el aumento de peso fue el esperado. El índice de irritación primaria reflejó 0. Conclusiones: los resultados permiten validar el efecto antidiarreico de la decocción de partes aéreas frescas de Phania matricarioides para afecciones digestivas y no clasifica como tóxico

Introduction: Phania matricarioides (Spreng. ) Griseb (chamomile) fresh aerial part decoction is traditionally used in Cuba to treat digestive disorders as upset stomach and simple acute diarrheas. However, there were no previous preclinical validation studies on the antidiarrheal effect and safety of this species. Objectives: to evaluate the action of decoction from Phania matricarioides fresh aerial parts on the intestinal transit and the oral and topical acute toxicology in preclinical models. Methods: the fresh aerial parts of this plant were harvested and decoction was obtained (30 and 50 percent). The experimental model of intestinal transit in mice, with 30 percent decoction being administrated once at doses of 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 g of vegetal material/kg of bodyweight for one day, and at doses of 1.0 and 5.0 g/kg for 4 days, was applied. The oral and topical toxicological study (50 percent decoction) was conducted in the models acute-toxic and acute dermal toxic classes in rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg of bodyweight and primary dermal irritability in rabbits. Results: the decoction administered for one day did not significantly change the intestinal transit, but the administration for 4 days did significantly change, depending on dose, the intestinal transit (5.0 g/kg). There was no death in the study, there were neither signs of toxicity nor macroscopic lesions in the rats' organs, whereas the weight gain behaved as expected. The index of primary irritation was null. Conclusions: the results allow validating the antidiarrheal effect of Phania matricarioides fresh aerial parts decoction on digestive disorders and it is not toxic

Hojas de Psidium guajava L / Psidium guajava L. leaves

Introducción: la especie Psidium guajava L., se utiliza tradicionalmente como antidiarreico. Los pacientes rechazan la tintura 20 por ciento en las diarreas por su sabor desagradable. Objetivo: evaluar el estado del arte en la utilidad de los extractos de las hojas de esta especie. Métodos: se realizó una extensa revisión en bases de datos internacionales. Se revisaron las bases HighWire, DOAJ, EBSCO, Scielo, Scopus, Chemical abstract, Medline, PudMed, Pharmaceutical Abstract entre los años 1753 y 2012. Resultados: se reporta la composición química y existen ensayos preclínicos y clínicos que confirman actividad antidiarreica. No se reportan efectos tóxicos. Existen pocas formas farmacéuticas para esta especie. Conclusiones: las hojas de guayaba son inocuas. Hay que realizar más estudios para garantizar la eficacia. Se deben preparar otras variantes terapéuticas para su uso como antidiarreico

Introduction: the s Psidium guajava L. species (guava), is used traditionally as antidiarrheal. The patients reject the 20 percent tincture because of its unpleasant flavor. Objective: to evaluate the state of the art in the usefulness of the guava leaf extracts. Methods: an extensive review of the national and international databases such as HighWire, DOAJ, EBSCO, Scielo, Scopus, Chemical abstract, Medline, PudMed Pharmaceutical Abstract from 1753 to 2012. Results: the chemical composition of the guava leaves was reported. There are preclinical and clinical assays that confirm their antidiarrheal effect. No toxic effects were reported. The pharmaceutical forms of this species are limited. Conclusions: the leaves of this plant are innocuous. It is necessary to conduct more studies to guarantee the effectiveness of this species. Other therapeutic variants of this species should be prepared to use them as antidiarrheal agents

Antidiarrheal activity of Solanum asterophorum in mice

Several species of Solanum are used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and compare possible antidiarrheal activity of methanol extracts from roots (Sast-MeOH R) and leaves (Sast-MeOH L) of Solanum asterophorum Mart., Solanaceae, in mice. Sast-MeOH R was shown to significantly and dose-relatedly inhibit the frequency of both solid (ED50 309.6±28.5 mg/kg) and liquid (ED50 152.1±32.5 mg/kg) stools. Conversely, Sast-MeOH L significantly inhibited solid stool frequency only when dosed at 500 and 750 mg/kg (48.7±7.4 and 42.3±9.8 percent, respectively), but also significantly and dose-relatedly inhibited liquid stools (ED50 268.4±35.2 mg/kg). Thus, Sast-MeOH R was twice as potent as Sast-MeOH L in diarrhea inhibition. Neither extracts (when dosed up to 500 mg/kg) inhibited intestinal transit. However, both extracts significantly and dose-relatedly inhibited intestinal fluids, and Sast-MeOH R (ED50 38.3±10.4 mg/kg) was again twice as potent as Sast-MeOH L (ED50 78.6±6.4 mg/kg). Results suggest that antidiarrheal effects of Sast-MeOH R and Sast-MeOH L involve changes on intestinal secretion. In addition, active metabolites with antidiarrheal activity may be more concentrated in the roots of this species. However further studies are needed to elucidate the action mechanism involved in this activity.

Uso de la Lignina de Bagazo con fines medicinales

Diversas instituciones de la República de Cuba trabajan en el desarrollo de fármacos a partir de preparados de lignina de bagazo. El presente reporte describe los resultados obtenidos en la evaluación de un preparado medicinal (derivado químico de la lignina alcalina de bagazo), registrado bajo el nombre de LIGMED-A; antidiarreico para uso veterinario y primero de una serie de productos en estudio, el cual tiene propiedades enterosorbentes, resultando ser efectivo en el tratamiento de trastornos del estómago y el intestino de distintas especies animales, además ha demostrado su capacidad germicida y su poder atrapador de radicales libres.

Various Cuban institutions are working in the development of drugs from bagasse lignin. The present paper describes the results obtained in the evaluation of a medical preparation (chemical derivative of alkaline lingnin), registered as LIGMED-A, an antidiarrheal drug for veterinary use. It is the first of a series of products under study, which has enterosorbent properties and has proved to be effective in the treatment of stomach and intestinal disorders in the different animals. Also, it has demonstrated germicidal power and capacity of trap free radicals.