Evaluation of Acute Toxicity and Antidiarrheal Activity of Hunteria umbellata Mesocarp Extract: Preclinical Study

Abstract

Diarrhea, characterized by increased water content in stools due to disruptions in intestinal physiological processes, poses significant health risks worldwide. Hunteria umbellata, a widely used medicinal plant in traditional medicine, holds the potential for treating various ailments, including diarrhea. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and antidiarrheal activity of Hunteria umbellata mesocarp extract. Acute toxicity assays (Phase 1 and Phase 2 LD50) conducted on mice revealed LD50 values greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a wide safety margin. Subsequent antidiarrheal activity assessments using different models showed significant inhibition of diarrhea. In the charcoal meal transit model, the extract at 1000 mg/kg exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (49.89%). In the castor oil-induced model, the extract at 1000 mg/kg demonstrated the highest inhibition of diarrhoea (86.81%). Furthermore, in the castor oil-induced gastrointestinal fluid accumulation model, the extract at 500 mg/kg exhibited the highest antidiarrheal activity (56.28% inhibition). These findings support the potential therapeutic use of Hunteria umbellata mesocarp extract in managing diarrhea. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and safety for human use. The results collectively suggest that the extract could serve as a safe and effective antidiarrheal agent, offering a promising alternative for diarrhea management.