Effect of aqueous leaf extract of zizyphus mauritiana on animal intestinal motility

الملخص EN

The leaves of Ziyphus mauritiana ; known locally as sidr, has been used traditionally for treatment of diarrhoea.

The aqueous extract of the leaf was investigated for its effect on intestinal motility using activated charcoal meal test and castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice, and isolated rabbit intestine in organ bath.

Zisyphus mauritiana leaf extract reduced the distance traveled in activated charcoal by 35.7 % compared to control.

The extract (0.25 and 0.5ml) also delayed the appearance of 'castor oil drops L 52.5 % and 110.4% compared to control respectively.

The pattern of contraction of isolated rabbit intestine is a tonic one ; probabh more towards morphine-like than atropine-like effect.

It is concluded that the aqueous leaf extract of Zisyphus mauritiana inhibits intestinal motility probably by inducing a tonic contraction of intestinal smooth muscles.