Ethanolic extract of the leaves of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. produces anti- diarrhoeal and gastrointestinal motility slowing effects in albino rats

Abstract

The antidiarrhoeal effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. were evaluated in rat. Studies were investigated on castor oil- induced diarrhoea and gastrointestinal motility activity in rat. The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) elicited a greater anti-motility than 5 mg/kg atropine (P < 0.05) and significantly (P <0.05) protected rats against castor oil- induced diarrhoea. The frequency of defaecation as well as the wetness of faecal droppings was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced. The oral LD₅₀ of the extract was found to be greater than 5000mg/kg in mice. The result obtained shows that the ethanol leaf extract of Houttuynia cordata Thunb may contain some biological- ly active principles that are active against diarrhoea and this may be the basis for management of gastrointestinal disorders.