Dual Effectiveness of Rosemary Leaves in Constipation and Diarrhea

Abstract

Abstract Background: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary), traditionally used herb for gut motility disorders. However, limited studies are available to provide the pharmacological basis for its medicinal use. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rosemary in constipation and diarrhea with pharmacological mechanisms. Method: The Hydro-ethanolic extract of rosemary (Rs.Cr) was analyzed for its phytosonstituents using reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Laxative and antidiarrheal assay were assessed in-vivo in BALB/c mice while anxiolytic assay was carried out in Sprague Dawley rats using dark and light activity and elevated plus maze assay. Spasmogenic and spasmolytic mechanisms were explored on isolated tissue using guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum tissues. Results Rs.Cr showed presence of diosmetin, rutin and apigenin in RP-HPLC. Increase in laxative scores were evident at 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg doses of Rs.Cr whereas increasing the dose to 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg reduced the diarrheal score. The antidiarrheal activity was mediated by reduction in intestinal motility followed by intestinal secretions. Diosmetin reduced the secretion and motility dose dependently. Anxiolytic effect was evident at the tested doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg. Rs.Cr exhibited spasmogenic activity and effect was blocked completely by atropine and partially by histamine, indicating a cholinergic and partial histaminergic component. The antispasmodic activity was due to predominant ATP-dependent K+ channels. Antimuscarinic effect was also observed. Diosmetin showed spasmolytic activity. Conclusion Dual spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities coupled with in-vivo antidiarrheal, laxative and anxiolytic activities, provide the basis for the medicinal use of Rosemary in gut motility disorders.