Investigation and Validation of Selected Herbal Formulations for Claimed Antidiarrheal Activity

Abstract

Sharbat Habb-ul-Aas and Rooh-e-Kafoor syrups are the two branded herbal formulations marketed widely in Pakistan for their antidiarrheal properties. This study is focused to validate the antidiarrheal potential of both products and to provide experimental evidence for their use. Selected products were investigated against different types of diarrhea induced by castor oil (1 ml/kg), magnesium sulphate (2 mg/kg) and clarithromycin (100 mg/kg) using pigeon model. Change in GI transit time was also determined using charcoal activity. Both products demonstrated significant reduction in average weight of stool and reduction in intestinal motility. Excellent anti-diarrheal activity demonstrated by the products may be due to different crude drugs included in the formulations. These findings revealed that use of Sharbat Habb-ul-Aas and Rooh-e-Kafoor syrups for the control of diarrhea is justified and may be effective as alternative medicine for the control of diarrhea.