Anti-diarrhoeal and toxicological studies of leaf extracts of Khaya senegalensis

The anti-diarrhoeal, phytochemical and toxicological properties of leaf extracts of Khaya senegalensis were evaluated. Anti-diarrhoeal activities of the extracts were evaluated on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats and on small intestinal transit. Phytochemical and toxicological studies were carried out using standard methods. The aqueous and methanolic extracts at doses of 100-300 mg kg -1 significantly (p<0.05) reduced the onset of diarrhea and also showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in gastrointestinal motility on charcoal meal test in rats. The aqueous extract appeared to be more effective than the methanolic extract. Phytochemicals detected in the extracts are saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides and volatile oils. The LD 50 of the aqueous extract was greater than 3000 mg kg -1 per os in rats. Sub-chronic administration of the aqueous extract at 600-3000 mg kg -1 for 28 days resulted in non significant (p>0.05) changes of the renal and liver indices and no histopathological changes of the organs were observed. The results of the study support the traditional use of the plant for diarhoeal remedies and also indicate that the plant has no toxic effect at all the concentrations employed. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.