RESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psydrax schimperianus (A. Rich.) Bridson. roots are used for the treatment of diarrhea in West Arsi zone, Ethiopia. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the in vivo antidiarrheal activity of crude extract and coumarins isolated from the roots of Psydrax schimperianus to provide a pharmacological basis for its traditional use as an antidiarrheal agent in Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crude root extract of P. schimperianus was tested in vivo for antidiarrheal efficacy in mice utilizing castor oil-induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal transit time, and enteropooling models at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Phytochemical investigation of the crude root extract led to the isolation of two coumarins, isoscopoletin, and scoparone. Isoscopoletin and scoparone were evaluated for antidiarrheal activity against castor oil-induced diarrhea model at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg doses. RESULTS: The crude root extract of P. schimperianus, at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, inhibited defecation by 37.5%, 46.2%, and 61.2%, respectively. At a dose of 20 mg/kg, scoparone and isoscopoletin reduced defecation by 61.2% and 66.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study warrants further investigation of isoscopoletin and scoparone towards development as a novel treatment for diarrheal diseases.
