Abstract

ANTI - DIARRHOEAL EFFECTS OF NAPOLEONAEA IMPERALIS LEAF EXTRACTS

Aloh, G.S., *Obeagu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Odo Christian Emeka , Okpara, Kingsley
Ezechukwu, Nnennam,M. Nwankwo, Obeagu Getrude Uzoma

Abstract

Water, mathanol and Chloroform extracts of Napoleonaea imperialis were tried for their effects in arresting ion losses due to diarrhoea induced with magnesium sulphate. The ions whose levels were monitored for two days. were Na+, K+ C!" and HCO3". After one hour of the induction of diarrhoea the Na+ levels in the three (H2O, Methanol and chloroform or B, C, D) groups dropped from 125.7- 102.7mmoi/L 12^102.7mmQi/l and 126.3-103.3mmol/L respectively K+ levels dropped from 2.77-1.70mmol/L,2.70-1.73mmoi/L and 2.20- l.53mmol A. respectively. The levels of chloride reduced from 74.70mmoi/L - 49.70mmol/L, 74.00 -53.3mmol/L and 71-5230mmol/L in each of the three groups, while the recorded HC03 levels reduced from 24.30 -13.00mmol/L respectively. After one hour of the administration of the extracts, all the animals still recorded father Ton losses^ probably due to the time log needed for their uptake across gut Walls. The greatest drop of up to 41- 46% was recorded for K+ ion and may have accounted for the observed reduced activities /Vigours of the animals. Within two days of continued administration of the extracts, the levels of all the ions had been restored to near normal values relative to their levels before the induction of diarrhoea. Each of the extracts was found to be efficacious in restoring ion losses due to diarrhea.

Keywords: Water, mathanol and Chloroform extracts of Napoleonaea imperialis.