Molecular and Genetic Medicine

Phytochemical Investigation and Anti-Diarrheal Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Fruits of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae)

Abstract

Dhakad PK

Background: Cucurbitaceae family is one of the best genetically assorted accumulations of restorative plants in the plant kingdom. Previous studies have suggested that Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. plant parts (root, stem, leaf, fruits, and seeds) have been utilized in the traditional system of medicine. Pharmacological activities reported for this plant include antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-hyperlipidemic activity. The antidiarrheal activity of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of this plant is reported for the first time in the present study.
Objective: To evaluate the anti-diarrheal activity of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) in experimentally induced diarrhea in Wistar rats.
Materials and methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Citrullus colocynthis was examined for its acute toxicity on rats, in order to establish the safe doses. Castor oil induced diarrhea model and gastrointestinal motility test using barium sulfate milk were done to assess the antidiarrheal activity of plant extracts. Extract of Citrullus colocynthisat the dose of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and per se group (100 mg/kg) were used in Wistar rats of either sex. Loperamide (2 mg/kg) was taken as a standard drug in both the models.
Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, tannins, and carbohydrates. The acute toxicity studies revealed that extract is relatively safe when given orally; no death was recorded at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The dose of 100 mg/kg (P<0.001) and 50 mg/kg (P<0.01) of plant fruit extract significantly reduced defecation frequency in 6 h and also increased the latency time which showed similar effects as produced in loperamide treated group. Both doses of fruit extract and loperamide reduced the gastrointestinal motility in Wistar rats significantly (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Citrullus colocynthis showed significant antidiarrheal activity and supports its use as a complementary and alternative medicine for treatment of diarrhea.