Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> To evaluate the antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activity of the extract of <i>Stachytarpheta jamaicensis</i> leaves.<br><b> Materials and Methods:</b> The methanolic extract of leaves of <i>S. jamaicensis</i> was prepared, with successive extraction in soxhlet apparatus with 300 ml of methanol for 24 h. The methanol extract of the leaves of <i>S. jamaicensis</i> (250 and 500 mg/kg) was studied for antidiarrheal activity using castor oil and magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhea models in mice. The antimicrobial activity of the extract (10 mg/ml) was determined by disk diffusion method.<br><b> Results:</b> At the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, the methanol extract showed significant antidiarrheal activity (P < 0.05). When tested for antibacterial activity, the methanol extract displayed moderate inhibitory activity against <i>Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, with an MIC value of 5.00 mg/ml.<br><b> Conclusion:</b> On the basis of these findings, it can be assumed that <i>S. jamaicensis</i> leaves could be a potential source for novel 'lead' discovery for antidiarrheal drug development.