Antidiarrheal Activity of Ethanol Extract of Fragaria ananassa and Actinidia deliciosa Fruit in Experimental Model

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhea is the second leading causes of preventable mortality especially among infants and children of developing countries. The fruits of Fragaria ananassa (Rosaceae) and Actinidia deliciosa (Actinidiaceae) commonly known as garden strawberry and kiwi (Chinese gooseberry) respectively have been cultivated all over the world including Pakistan. They are widely consumed due to their pleasant taste and remarkable nutritious properties.

Aim of Study: The aim was to investigate safety and efficacy as well as in vivo antidiarrheal effects of ethanol extract of Fragaria ananassa (EEFA) and Actinidia deliciosa (EEAD) in experimental models of diarrhea.

Methodology: Animals were divided into five groups allocated as distilled water (control), loperamide (3 mg/kg) as reference standard, EEFA (800 mg/kg), EEAD (800 mg/kg), 1:1 combination of EEFA (400 mg/kg) and EEAD (400 mg/kg) as treated groups. In vivo antidiarrheal activity was determined by castor oil induced experimental model of diarrhea.

Results: The results revealed that EEFA and EEAD and their combination possessed significant antidiarrheal activity in comparison to control in experimental model of mice.

Conclusion: These results of the experiment postulating the antidiarrheal activity of Fragaria ananassa and Actinidia deliciosa by alleviating gastrointestinal motility and fluid accumulation thus supporting their safer use in the management of diarrhea.