Antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activity of the extract of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis leaves. Materials and Methods: The methanolic extract of leaves of S. jamaicensis was prepared, with successive extraction in soxhlet apparatus with 300 ml of methanol for 24 h. The methanol extract of the leaves of S. jamaicensis (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. Results: 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 Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with an MIC value of 5.00 mg/ml. Conclusion: On the basis of these findings, it can be assumed that S. jamaicensis leaves could be a potential source for novel 'lead' discovery for antidiarrheal drug development.