Anti-diarrheal activity of Melastoma malabathricum L. leaf extracts (Melastomataceae)

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-diarrheal activity of leaf of Melastoma malabathricum in rats. Anti-diarrheal effects of the ethanol extracts at 100, 200 and 400 mg/Kg were evaluated in rats using castor oil induced models. Results showed that the ethanol extract exhibited significant and dose dependent anti-diarrhoeal activity in the model used. A percentage diarrheal inhibition of extract at 400 mg/Kg was 93.67%. Diarrheal protection in the model used by the extract is dose dependent and the diarrhoeal inhibitory effects of the extract are comparable to loperemide. Therefore, a result of present study suggests that the ethanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum possesses anti-diarrheal activity.