Evaluation of antidiarrheal effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata L (King and Robinson)

This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of C odorata (400 and 800 mg/kg). ¶The antidiarrheal effect was evaluated on the diarrhoea induced by the castor oil, the charcoal test (intestinal transit time) and on the accumulation of the intestinal fluid induced by the castor oil (Enteropooling).¶The results obtained show that the aqueous extract at the doses used significantly decrease (p<0,001) the frequency of emission, the quantity and the onset of appearance of the faces induced by the castor oil. ¶The aqueous extract of C odorata (400 and 800 mg/kg) does not decrease significantly the intestinal transit (p>0.05) but on the other hand significantly decrease (p<0.01) the accumulation of the fluid in the intestine induced by the castor oil. ¶In conclusion the aqueous extract of C odorata (400 and 800 mg/kg) has an antidiarrheal effect who could be explained by interference with the mechanisms of secretion of the electrolytes. ¶These results would justify the use of plant on the traditional treatment of the diarrhoea.¶ Keywords: antidiarrheal effect, Castor oil, intestinal transit, enteropooling, Chromolaena odorat