Crude extracts from Diospyros gilletii stem bark attenuate Shigella flexneri-induced diarrhea in mice

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the anti-shigellosis activity of the hydroethanol extract of Diospyros gilletii (D. gilletii ) stem bark in Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri)-induced diarrheal mice. Methods: The hydroethanolic extract was obtained by maceration of D. gilletii stem bark in 70% hydroethanol (waterethanol; 30:70, v/v ) solution. Then, mice pretreated with cyclophosphamide for immunosuppression were administered orally with an inoculum containing S. flexneri , and subsequently treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the hydroethanol extracts for 10 days. The bacterial colonies were enumerated and hematological and biochemical parameters were determined. Serum pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α, and nitric oxide levels were quantified by ELISA. Histological analyses of the kidney, liver, and colon were also conducted. Results: Treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the hydroethanolic extracts markedly inhibited the growth of S. flexneri. Moreover, treatment with D. gilletii extract downregulated the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α, and restored hematological and biochemical parameters as well as histological architecture of the colon, liver, and kidneys. Additionally, the oral administration of 2000 mg/kg D. gilletii extract did not induce any sign of toxicity, with a median lethal dose greater than 2000 mg/kg. Conclusions: D. gilletii extract demonstrates the anti-shigellosis effects in S. flexneri-induced diarrheal mice, supporting the traditional use of this plant in treating diarrhea.