Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences

Abstract
This study evaluated the anti-diarrhoeal activity of ethanol leaf extract of Ficus pachyneura (ELEFP), using laboratory mice. Extraction was by cold maceration using ethanol. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening and acute toxicity study on the extract were done following standard procedures. The castor oil-induced diarrhoea, gastrointestinal motility and entero-pooling test models were used to evaluate the extract’s anti-diarrhoeal activity. The extent of protection from diarrhoea and its impacts on the onset, number of wet faeces, motility and intestinal volume were evaluated by administering to mice graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of ELEFP; this was compared with a negative control group (that received 5 ml/kg of the distilled water placebo) and a positive control group (given either 5 mg/kg loperamide or 3 mg/kg atropine). Results obtained showed that ELEFP contains very high concentrations of saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids and flavonoids. The LD₅₀ was greater than 5000 mg/kg. The 400 and 800 mg/kg doses of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited castor oil induced diarrhoea, reduced the charcoal meal transit and intestinal fluid accumulation, very much like the reference drugs used. It was concluded that ELEFP exhibited both anti-secretory and anti-motility/antispasmodic activities in controlling diarrhoea, hence could be a potential source of alternative anti-diarrhoeal agent.

Keywords: Ficus pachyneura; Ethanol leaf extract; Castor oil-induced diarrhoea; Anti-diarrhoeal activity; Phytochemicals.

How to cite this article:
Ifenkwe DC, Madubuike KG and Akomas SC (2024). Evaluation of the anti-diarrhoeal activity of Ficus
pachyneura ethanol leaf extract in mice. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 14(1): 565 – 579.

*Correspondence: E-mail: ifenkwe.daniel@mouau.edu.ng Phone: +2347030863788