ABSTRACT
Tamarindus indica is a small plant distributed in different countries of the world such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and the majority of the tropical nations. It is a member of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family.
The effect on gastrointestinal motility on wistar mice (15-30 kg) was investigated by the administration of graded doses of the extract 50mg/kg, 125mg/kg, and 250mg/kg. Then its effect was compared with the effect of Normal saline, and 2.5mg/kg of atropine on gastrointestinal motility.
The ethanol extract of Tamarindus indica caused an non-dose dependent increase in gastrointestinal motility which was highest at the dose of 50mg/kg. In the presence of atropine, there was a reduction in the percentage distance travelled, showing that atropine was able to decrease its gastrointestinal motility effect. The distance travelled was measured using activated charcoal.
From the result obtained in the study, it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of Tamarindus indica contains some active constituents that are effective in decreasing gastrointestinal motility and therefore has potentials to be used in the treatment of constipation.
