Acute Oral Toxicity Study, Phytochemical Profile and the Anti-diarrheal Effect of Chloroform Extract of Stuckenia pectinata on Castor Oil-induced Diarrhea in Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the safety, phytochemical composition, and anti-diarrheal efficacy of the chloroform

extract of Stuckenia pectinata using a castor oil–induced diarrhea model in rats. Qualitative screening

revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids, whereas

flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and phlobatannins were not detected. Quantitative analysis

showed tannins as the most abundant constituent (1.06 ± 0.04 mg/g TAE), followed by alkaloids (1.00 ± 0.07

mg/g ATE), with phenols (0.73 ± 0.05 mg/g GAE) and flavonoids (0.68 ± 0.03 mg/g CAE) present at lower

levels, reflecting a chemically diverse extract. Acute oral toxicity assessment determined a median lethal

dose (LD₅₀) of 1264.91 mg/kg, indicating moderate safety, and an effective dose was estimated at 126.49

mg/kg. Administration of the extract significantly reduced stool frequency and fecal output (p < 0.05)

compared to the untreated control, with inhibition comparable to loperamide at 3 mg/kg. The anti-diarrheal

activity is likely mediated by the combined effects of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids, which

modulate intestinal motility, secretion, and electrolyte transport. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the

chloroform extract of Stuckenia pectinata possesses substantial pharmacological potential as a plant-derived

anti-diarrheal agent while exhibiting a favorable safety profile, providing a foundation for its further

development in traditional and complementary medicine.