Full Length Research Paper

Abstract

Excessive secretion of fluid and electrolytes elicited by enterotoxins is a major cause of mortality in Africa. This study investigated the traditional use of the stem bark of Anacardium occidentale (cashew) in the treatment of diarrhea by studying its effect on sodium and chloride transport in the rabbit colon. A segment of the rabbit colon was cannulated and perfused in situ with iso-osmotic medium at 0.3 ml/min. The plant extract was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg respectively. Perfusates were collected at 10 min interval for 1 h. The amount of sodium and chloride ions in the perfusates was analyzed with a flame photometer. The results indicated that the plant extract dose dependently stimulate sodium absorption (P < 0.05) and has no effect on chloride transport in the rabbit colon. In conclusion, this study indicates that A. occidentale stimulate sodium and water absorption and therefore may be effective in the treatment of diarrhea in developing countries.

Key words: Anacardium occidentale, chloride ion, colon, diarrhea, rabbit, sodium ion.