The lipoid matter of Syzygium australe leaves exhibits a promising anti-diarrheal activity: GC/MS analysis and in-vivo study

This study examined the antidiarrheal activity of the lipoid matter of Syzygium australe leaves. The antidiarrheal effects were assessed through the castor oil-induced diarrhea model. Additionally, we investigated the acute toxicity of the S.australe hexane extract. Hexane extract demonstrated a dose-dependent and statistically significant protective effect on rats against castor oil-induced diarrhea. It also suppressed intestinal transit and postponed gastric emptying in comparison to the control group. Regarding acute toxicity, the study findings suggested that the crude hexane extract was relatively safe and non-toxic to rats. The chemical composition of the lipoidal matter (n-hexane fraction) was identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Examination of saponifiable matter using GC-MS unveiled the existence of 14 compounds, with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids making up 14.43% and 50.01%, respectively. Among these, a major compound identified was Oleic acid methyl ester, accounting for 30.43% of the composition. Meanwhile, the examination of unsaponifiable matter identified 35 compounds, these identified compounds were categorized as hydrocarbons (43.17%), fatty alcohols (6.48%), steroids (18.00%) and triterpenoids (18.12%). with Squalene (16.84%) as a major compound, followed by ç-Sitosterol (13.9%) and à-Amyrin (12.94%). This represents the initial endeavour to explore the GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane extract obtained from this plant.