Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiarrhoeal potential of a decoction
(D) made from Scoparia dulcis Linn (Family: Scrophulariaceae), as indicated by
traditional practitioners in Sri Lanka, using the caster oil-induced diarrhoeal rat
model. Different doses of D (500,1500,3000 mg/kg) were orally administrated and
antidiarrhoeal activity monitored over a 6 h period. The D induced a significant
(P<0.05) and dose- dependent antidiarrhoeal effect from Ih post treatment. This
antidiarrhoeal action was mediated via an inhibition in intestinal transit due to
impairment of intestinal peristalsis, rather than to an increment in intestinal fluid
absorption and/or reduction in secretion. The decoction may have a potential in
symptomatic reliefofnon-specific acute diarrhoeas.
