Jurubeba, a Brazilian plant, displays potent antidiarrheal activity

Researchers from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco and the Federal University of Pernambuco in Brazil found that jurubeba (Solanum paniculatum) has potential use as a natural remedy for diarrhea. The study, published in The Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy, evaluated the antidiarrheal activity of extracts from the plant through in vivo experimental models.

•  Diarrhea is a major health problem caused by bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli. This disease contributes to the high incidence of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality, especially in developing countries.
• Jurubeba is commonly used as a traditional remedy for anemia, liver disorder, hangovers, and digestive problems. Moreover, previous studies have shown that this plant is effective against tuberculosis, malaria, high blood pressure, inflammatory diseases, and fever.
• The different therapeutic applications of jurubeba are possibly due to the presence of bioactive compounds like steroids, terpenes, alkaloids, and saponins.
• In this study, the researchers collected extracts from dried jurubeba roots and determined its antidiarrheal activity in male albino rats. Additionally, they determined the phytochemicals present in the extracts and found that chlorogenic acid is the primary component of jurubeba.
• Antidiarrheal activity was based on the results of castor oil-induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal motility test, and castor oil-induced enteropooling in the animal models. Results showed that jurubeba extracts significantly reduced the weight of feces, slowed down movement through the intestines, and prevented the accumulation of intestinal fluid.

From this study, the researchers concluded that jurubeba has antidiarrheal activity, which is possibly due to the presence of chlorogenic acid.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

For more articles about natural remedies for diarrhea, visit NaturalCures.news.

Journal Reference:

Tenório JA, Monte DSD, Silva TMD, Silva TGD, Ramos CS. SOLANUM PANICULATUM ROOT EXTRACT REDUCES DIARRHEA IN RATS. The Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy. 23 March 2016;26(3). DOI: 10.1016/j.bjp.2016.02.003