Phytochemical Screening and Antidiarrheal Evaluation of Acetone Extract of Acacia sieberiana var woodii (Fabaceae) stem bark in wistar rats

Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating the phytochemical constituents and the antidiarrheal activities of the acetone extract of Acacia sieberiana stem bark. The phytochemical screening was carried out to identify the active constituents present in the acetone extract, and the acute toxicity test was also carried to determine the safety limit of the extract. Gastro intestinal motility and castor oil-induced diarrhea tests were evaluated in rats to determine the antidiarrheal activity of the extract. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponin, tannins, cardiac glycosides, steroidal ring, resins and carbohydrates. No deaths or signs of abnormal behavior were observed in the wistar rats treated with the acetone extract of A.sieberiana stem bark up to 2000 mg/kg bodyweight in the toxicity test. The acetone extract of A.sieberiana stem bark slowed down the propulsion of charcoal meal through gastro-intestinal tract, though not in a dose-dependent manner following the administration of the extract to rats at graded doses (300, 600 or 1200 mg/kg), with the highest inhibition at 600mg/kg. This extract also exhibited a significant inhibition of castor oil-induced diarrhea in a dose-dependent manner with the highest inhibition (p<0.001) of 84% at 1200mg/kg dose. The results of this investigation showed that the acetone extract contains phytochemical substances with antidiarrheal properties. This provides the rationale for the use of the stem bark extract of A. sieberiana as an anti-diarrheal remedy by traditional healers.