In Vitro Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity Test and Anti-diarrheal Activity of Methanolic Bixa orellana Seed Extracts by Castor Oil Induced and Magnesium Sulfate Induced Diarrhea Models

Abstract

Introduction: One in nine child deaths worldwide are attributable to diarrheal infections, making diarrhea the second largest cause of death among kids younger than the age of 5 years. The Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the highest mortality due to diarrheal diseases. Natural substances of mineral, animal, or plant origins have long been used in medicines, cosmetics, and food goods. Bixa orellana is a Brazil-native plant that also thrives in other parts of South and Central America. It is cultivated in tropical regions, including Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Indonesia, India, Kenya, and East Africa. Due to the ban on the use of synthetic dyes in food and cosmetics, its use has increased, as it is one of the few authorized dyes by the World Health Organization (WHO) because, in addition to being nontoxic, it does not appear to alter the nutritional content of food. Additionally, 70% of the world's natural coloring additives are sourced from annatto, a common name for Bixa orellana. The leaves and seed extract has been used traditionally in the tropical areas of South Asia to reduce the severity of diarrheal episodes. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the anti-diarrheal property of Bixa Orellana seed extracts at different doses comparing with established manufactured drugs corroborating its’ orthodox therapeutic use as an anti-diarrheal agent. Aim and Objectives: Pharmacological Evaluation of Anti-diarrheal activities in Swiss Albino Mice. Materials and Methods: The methanolic extract of Bixa Orellana seeds was prepared by traditional method and was used to assess its’ anti-diarrheal property. Anti-diarrheal activity was evaluated in Swiss Albino Mice using Castor oil induced diarrhea and MgSO4 induced diarrhea models respectively. Observations and Results: Bixa orellana seed extract showed significant 75% Anti-diarrheal activity in the present study when compared to the standard drug Loperamide. Conclusion: The methanolic seed extract of Bixa Orellana showed prominent Anti-diarrheal activity therefore it ensures safe and efficient traditional uses of Bixa Orellana in times of Diarrhea.