Ethnopharmacological evaluation of Cenchrus ciliaris for multiple gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

<p class="Abstract">This study was conducted to rationalize the traditional uses of <em>Cenchrus ciliaris</em> in gastrointestinal disorders using <em>in vivo</em> and <em>ex vivo</em> assays. The antidiarrheal effect was evaluated in rats by the castor oil-induced diarrheal model. <em>C. ciliaris</em> (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg) reduced the castor oil-induced diarrhea significantly. Another study carried out in mice to determine the intestinal transit rate showed that <em>C. ciliaris</em> (100 and 200 mg/kg) inhibited the transit rate significantly. <em>Ex vivo</em> assay demonstrated that <em>C. ciliaris</em> (0.01–1 mg/mL) relaxed the spontaneous and K⁺(80 mM)-induced contractions, like verapamil. The crude extract (75, 100 and 150 mg/kg) also exhibited significant anti-emetic activity in chicks. These results indicate the presence of antispasmodic, antidiarrheal and antiemetic activities in <em>C. ciliaris</em>, thus providing the scientific basis for its traditional uses.</p><p class="Abstract"><strong>Video Clip of Methodology</strong>: 56 sec  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/FwQ01gHJaGk">Full Screen</a>   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwQ01gHJaGk">If Failed</a></p>