Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ANTIDIARRHEAL ACTIVITY: CAUSES, EPIDEMIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND MEDICINAL PROSPECTS

Dr. Dev Prakash Dahiya, *Sachin Thakur, Anchal Sankhyan, Richa Kumari and Anchal Sharma

Abstract

Diarrhea remains a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates, especially among children. Antidiarrheal agents play a crucial role in managing both acute and chronic forms of diarrhea by targeting various physiological mechanisms such as motility reduction, fluid absorption enhancement, and secretion inhibition. This review provides a comprehensive overview of conventional and emerging antidiarrheal therapies, encompassing synthetic drugs, natural products, and probiotics. The mechanisms of action, pharmacological classifications, and experimental models commonly used to evaluate antidiarrheal activity are critically discussed. Special emphasis is placed on plant-derived compounds and traditional medicines, which have gained attention due to their potential efficacy and safety profiles. Despite significant progress, challenges such as drug resistance, limited access to healthcare, and the need for standardized evaluation models persist. This review highlights current advancements and identifies future directions for research and development in antidiarrheal therapeutics.

Keywords: The mechanisms of action, pharmacological classifications, and experimental models commonly used to evaluate antidiarrheal activity are critically discussed.