EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF THE RECIPE MADE FROM THE LEAVES OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM. LINN (LAMIACEAE) AND TERMINALIA SUPERBA STEAM BARK. ENGL (COMBREATACEAE) ON LOPERAMIDE-INDUCED CONSTIPATION

Objective: This study aimed to contributing to the promotion of the recipe made from the leaves of O. grastissium and the bark of T. superba used as a laxative. Methods: Constipation was induced in rats by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg body weight) for three days. The constipated rats were treated with the aqueous extract of the recipe (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) for 7 d. In addition, the effect of the aqueous extract of the recipe was also evaluated on the secretion of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide (NO), on the accumulation of intestinal fluid, the secretion of electrolytes as well as on some biochemical parameters. Results: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract at the doses used significantly reduced the delay (p<0.001), significantly increased (p<0.01 and p<0.001) the frequency and quantity of stools excreted in rats made constipated by the loperamide. Similarly, the aqueous extract of the recipe stimulated a significant increase (p<0.001) in the secretion of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, water, ions such as K+, Na+, Ca2+and Cl-leading to intraluminal water retention and accumulation of intestinal fluid. Moreover, unlike castor oil, the aqueous extract of the recipe at the doses used does not cause any significant increase in biochemical parameters compared to control animals. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract of the recipe has a laxative activity, which would be due to the chemical compounds highlighted. These results could justify the traditional use of this recipe.