In vitro Antioxidant and Antidiarrhoeal Activities of Hydro-ethanol Stem Bark Extract of Guava (Psidium guajava) in Castor oil-induced Diarrhoeal Albino Rats

Abstract

Diarrhoea has been rampaging with high mortality, among children of five years and below most especially, in developing
countries. Although, orthodox drugs for diarrhoea are available but with side effects and not within the reach of poor, hence,
the use of medicinal plants such as guava (Psidium guajava) for its management. In vitro antioxidative effects and
antidiarrhoeal potential of hydro-ethanolic extract of stem bark of guava (Psidium guajava) in castor oil-induced diarrhoeal
albino rats were investigated in this study. Bioactive compositions, its effects on oxidation together with diarrhoea in Abino
rats were also investigated. The extract contained phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins and flavonoids in relatively large
quantity while alkaloids were completely not detected. HPLC analysis further revealed bioactive compounds such as
kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, apigenin and guajiverin among others. The extract also showed high antioxidant potentials in
vivo. Furthermore, the frequency of stooling, intestinal contents movement and enteropooling were reduced significantly (P <
0.05) in Albino rats treated with aqueous-ethanol stem bark extract of guava (Psidium guajava). In addition, the there was a
significant (P < 0.05) reduction in N+-K+ ATPase activity while an increase in the concentration of nitric oxide in the blood of
diarrhoeal albino rats was also observed. However, these pharmacological properties of the extract are concentration-dependent with the highest dose having the best results