Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

  Background and Objectives: Diarrhea is one of the worldwide health problems and one of the most common causes of childrens’ mortality. In the present experiment, effect of Descurainia sophia on castor oil-induced diarrhea was investigated.

  Materials and Methods: In this experimentd study 24 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: Descurainia sophia with doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg Diphenoxylate 0.5 mg/kg and control (vehicle). One hour after orally receiving the drugs or vehicle (normal saline 10 ml/kg), each animal was given castor oil (2 ml/rat) by an oro-gastric catheter. Then the rats were placed in a separate cage and observed for 5 h defecation to determine fecal quality, frequency, and weight. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test and p<0.05 was considered as significant difference.

  Results: Both Descurainia sophia 600, 400 (mg/kg) and Diphenoxylate attenuated the percentage of weight loss (p<0.005). Compared to the control group, Descurainia sophia 600 and Diphenoxylate (p<0.005) and Descurainia sophia 400 (p<0.05) decreased the total excretion. Also compared to the control group, Descurainia sophia 600 and 400 (mg/kg) decreased stool weight (p<0.05).

  Conclusions: Extract of Descurainia sophia plant has the same effect as Diphenoxylate on attenuating castor oil - induced diarrhea symptoms and also reduction of fecal water content.

  Key words: Diarrhea, Descurainia sophia, castor oil, Rat

  Funding: This research was funded by Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences.

  Conflict of interest: None declared.

  Ethical approval: The Ethical Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences approved the study. .

  How to cite this article : Ayoobi F, Kamali B, Shamsizadeh A, Sajadi MA, Roohbakhsh A, Vazirinejad R, Hakimi E, Rezazadeh HA, Rahmani MR, Allahtavakili M . Effect of Aqueous Extract of Descurainia Sophia on Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhea in Male Rat. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Scie 2013 12(2): 149-56 [Farsi]