Diuretic and laxative activities of stem bark extracts of Alstonia boonei in rats

Abstract

Background: Alstonia boonei is a plant of medicinal importance especially in traditional medicine. It has been used for treating malaria, inflammatory disorders, rhematic pain, toothache, ulcer and diabetes in Nigeria. In the present study, we have reported the diuretic and laxative properties of stem bark extracts of the plant on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: The experimental animals (rats) were grouped into 10 groups of 6 each comprising control group (administered normal saline), test groups (administered various concentrations of the extract- 250 and 500 mg/kg methanol extracts, 125 and 250 mg/kg of flavonoid, saponin and neutral alkaloid fractions) as well as a group administered standard drugs (25 mg/kg furosemide/sodium picosulfate). The mode of administration was oral and normal saline was used as the vehicle. Results: Only the 500 mg/kg methanol extracts and the saponin fraction significantly improved (p<0.05) the excretion of urine volume and electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-), the rest of the extracts did not exhibit diuretic properties. Even more, the ME fraction showed good natriutic index.  All the fractions of the extract did not affect fecal production when compared to the control, however, compared to the standard drug the fractions have potential of controlling fecal incontinence. Conclusions: This study has shown that some fractions of A. boonei possess diuretic properties and can be used for the development of therapeutic interventions against kidney disorders, hypertension or congestive heart failure. Studies to determine its laxative property shows that based on the low fecal output, fractions of A. boonei can be used to tackle fecal incontinence.