Effect of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Glycyrrhiza Glabra on Experimental Diarrhea in Mice

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Diarrhea, characterized by increased defecation of wet stool and abdominal pains, is of great importance in public health and is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. In the present study, the effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra as a native medicinal plant on diarrhea was investigated. Material and Methods: The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of G. glabra (HEGG) on small intestinal transit was studied in overnight fasted mice (23-28 g). The antidiarrheal activity of extract was evaluated against castor oil induced diarrhea. Further, the effect of extract on castor oil–induced intestinal transit, and enteropooling at the different doses (50 - 200 mg/kg) were evaluated. Loperamide was used as the positive control. Results: HEGG significantly (p<0.05) and dose-dependently reduced small intestinal transit. The plant extracts significantly (P < 0.05) delayed the onset of diarrhea in mice. The extracts also showed significant (P<0.05) inhibitor activity against severity of castor oil induced diarrhea and castor oil induced enteropooling in mice when tested at 200 mg/kg. The oral LD50 values obtained were greater than 2240mg/kg in mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the hydro-alcoholic extract of G. glabra roots may contain some biologically active ingredients possessing antidiarrhea properties due to inhibition of gastrointestinal propulsion and fluid secretion.