Saba senegalensis (A.DC) Pichon (Apocynaceae): Treatment of Loperamide-induced Constipation in Mice

This study aimed to assess the laxative properties of an aqueous extract of Saba senegalensis leaves, an African medicinal plant, in mice. To this end, tests were carried out to assess the laxative activity of the aqueous extract of Saba senagalenisis leaves and its effect on intestinal motility. As regards the evaluation of its laxative activity, four batches of five mice, non-constipated and constipated with loperamide, were formed. Batch 1 served as a control, while batch 2 received Forlax, a reference osmotic laxative. Batches 3 and 4 were treated orally with Saba senegalensis with concentrations of 150 and 300 mg/Kg BW. Parameters such as the number of constipated and non-constipated mice that defecated were recorded, as were the moisture content and appearance of the faeces. As for the effect of Saba senagalenisis on intestinal motility, batches of non-constipated mice treated as above were given 0.2 mL of activated charcoal sixty minutes after treatment. Then, thirty minutes later, the intestine of the sacrificed mouse was sampled and the intestinal transit pathway of the activated charcoal was assessed.

The laxative activity assessment test revealed that Saba senegalensis with a dose of 150 mg/Kg BW had no significant effect in non-constipated mice. However, it slightly increased stool water content of constipated mice (P < 0.001). With a dose of 300 mg/Kg BW, Saba senegalensis, like Forlax, increased the number of non-constipated mice defecating and relieved constipation in loperamide-treated mice. It also softened the stools (P < 0.01-0.0001) and modified their appearance. The intestinal transit test showed that Saba senegalensis with 150 and 300 mg/Kg BW caused a dose-dependent increase in the intestinal transit of activated charcoal (P < 0.001), as did Forlax (P < 0.001).These findings support the Saba senegalensis laxative properties and its use in traditional medicine to treat constipation.