Abstract
In this work, the extract of Callicarpa macrophylla (family Lamiaceae) was evaluated as an antidiarrheal agent. BALB/c mice were subjected to castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal meal gastrointestinal transit time assay. The antidiarrheal effect of the methanol extracts of the leaves and bark of C. macrophylla on the animals was evaluated. The extracts conferred significant antidiarrheal effect on the tested animals, challenged with the laxative castor oil, and slowed down gut motility manifested through charcoal meal test. The efficacy was attributed to the broad spectrum of phytochemicals in the extract, though the precise components eliciting the etiological effects are yet to be identified. The specific mechanism of diarrhea management has not been unraveled, but the likely action could be the blockade of muscarinic receptors, nitric oxide pathway, anti-inflammation, and pathogen inhibition. Addressing these queries might facilitate the development of C. macrophylla extracts into a cost-effective natural remedy for diarrhea.