Antidiarheal Activity of Methanol Seed Extract of Cola Acuminata Schott & Endl (Malvaceae) In Mice

Cola acuminata nut extract has been shown to relax smooth muscles of the intestine in vitro, and this has made the plant popular as a potential antidiarrheal agent. This study aimed at evaluating the antidiarrheal activity of methanolic seed extract of Cola acuminata in mice. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis. The acute toxicity (LD50) study was conducted according to Lorke's method. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal meal method in mice. Groups of mice were orally administered water (10 ml/kg), charcoal, Cola acuminata nut extract (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg), loperamide 2mg/kg, and atropine 1 mg/kg before castor oil. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, triterpenes, and saponins. The oral LD50 of the extract was estimated to be 2154 mg/kg. The extract produced a significant p < 0.05 increase in time of onset of diarrhea compared to the distilled water group. The extract produced dose dependent inhibition of the number of wet faeces. Extract at 600 mg/kg had more protection against diarrhea than the Loperamide. The extract did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the intestinal movement of charcoal meal.