Antimotility effects of extracts and fractions of Eastern Nigeria mistletoe (Loranthus micranthusLinn)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the antimotility activity of Eastern Nigerian mistletoe[Loranthus micranthus (L. micranthus) Linn] parasitic on six different host trees viz. Baphia nitida, Persia americana, Kola accuminata, Irvingia gabonensis, Citrus simensisand Pentacletra macrophylla (P. mycrophylla). Methods: The antimotility of the methanol extracts and solvent fractions were evaluated in castor oil induced diarrheoa in rats. Results: The methanol extracts (200mg/kg, i.p.)inhibited defeacation significantly (P< 0.05) 4h after administration (75.73%to 93.33%)more than that of atropine sulphate (2mg/kg, i.p.)which inhibited defeacation by 80.0%. The methanol extract (200mg/kg, i.p.)of L. micranthusparasitic on P. mycrophyllaexhibited significant (P<0.05)inhibition in gastrointestinal transit (67.6%)more than that of atropine sulphate (2mg/kg, i.p.)which inhibited gastrointestinal transit by 26.4%. The solvent fractions ofL. micranthusparasitic on P. mycrophyllaat dose levels of 150mg/kg inhibited significantly the gastrointestinal transit of mice. Fraction F5exhibited inhibitory activity which was comparable to loperamide (73.3%). Conclusions: The methanol extract of L. micranthusparasitic on P. macrophyllaexhibits higher antimotility activity that other extracts. The solvent fractions could serve as source of novel antimotility agents.