Evaluations of the in vivo Laxative Effects of Aqueous Leaf and Stem Extracts of Artemisia Abyssinica in Mice

Abstract

Background

People frequently complain of long-term constipation. The cost associated with using modern medications to treat constipation is significant, and the probability of encountering side effects is notably high. These limitations restrict their effectiveness in therapy, remain unresolved, and underscore the need for research on alternative therapeutic approaches. Plants of the genus Artemisia have been used to treat constipation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the laxative effects of aqueous A. abyssinica leaf and stem extracts of Artemisia abyssinica in mice.

Methods

The laxative activity of A. abyssinica leaf and stem extracts was evaluated using three models: laxative activity, gastrointestinal motility, and gastrointestinal secretion. In this study, bisacodyl was used as a standard laxative and loperamide was used to induce constipation.

Results

In the laxative test, 200 (P<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.01) doses of plant extract significantly increased the percentage of fecal water content. Moreover, the highest dose of extract increased the frequency of defecation after 12 h (p<0.05). In the remaining two models, the experimental plans also showed significantly higher gastrointestinal motility and noticeable accumulation of intestinal fluid.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that aqueous leaf and stem extracts of A. abyssinica have laxative effects.

Keywords:

• laxative
• constipation
• Artemisia abyssinica
• castor oil
• loperamide

Abbreviations

• A. Abyssinica, Artemisia Abyssinica; CFTR, Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance; GI, Gastrointestinal.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used in this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Ethical Approval

The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University (reference no. ERB/SOP/548/14/2023).

Author Contributions

Both authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors have no competing financial interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This study was conducted under the auspices of Addis Ababa University. The role of the institution in this experiment was to provide laboratory animals, equipment, and the required chemicals.