EVALUATION OF THE ANTIDIARRHOEAL PROPERTIES OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF Ipomoea triloba (L.

)
(Convolvulaceae)AND AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF Glyphaea brevis (Malvaceae) ON SELECTED CLINICAL
BACTERIAL ISOLATES

BY

ONUIGBO HILARY EKENE

18/PH/1618

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF PHARMACY
UNIVERSITY OF UYO, UYO
AKWA IBOM STATE
 INTRODUCTIONS
Diarrhoeal diseases remain a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries where inadequate
sanitation and access to clean water exacerbate the problem. These diseases, primarily caused by bacterial pathogens
such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp., contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates (Troeger
et al., 2021). Despite advances in modern medicine, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of these pathogens poses a
growing challenge to treatment, prompting a need for alternative therapeutic options (Ventola, 2015). Traditional
medicine, which relies heavily on plant-based remedies, offers a promising avenue for addressing this issue (O’Neill,
2016). Glyphaea brevis and Ipomoea triloba are two medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of
gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhoea. Previous ethnobotanical studies highlight their effectiveness, though
scientific validation of their therapeutic properties remains limited (Ali et al., 2020). This study aims to evaluate the
antidiarrhoeal properties of these plants by investigating their antibacterial efficacy against selected clinical bacterial
isolates. By comparing the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts, this research seeks to provide insight into the
potential of these plants as alternatives to conventional antibiotics (Yakubu et al., 2021).
 AIM OF THE STUDY

 To evaluate the antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial properties of the aqueous and ethanol
extracts of Glyphaea brevis and Ipomoea triloba.
 To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal
concentration (MBC) of these extracts on selected bacterial isolates.

OBJECTIVES

 To obtain the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biocidal concentration (MBC) of the
aqueous leaves extract of Glyphaea brevis and Ipomoea triloba on the selected clinical diarrhoeal isolates
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Diarrhoea is characterized by the frequent passage of loose or watery stools, often accompanied by dehydration and
abdominal pain. Bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp. are responsible for the
majority of cases, particularly in regions with poor sanitation (Troeger et al., 2021). These pathogens can lead to severe
dehydration and, if left untreated, may result in death, especially among children and the elderly. Furthermore, the rise
of antibiotic-resistant strains has complicated treatment, necessitating the search for alternative remedies (Ventola,
2015).

Medicinal Plants in Diarrhoea Treatment

Historically, medicinal plants have played a crucial role in treating diarrhoea, especially in regions where access to
modern healthcare is limited. Plants like Glyphaea brevis and Ipomoea triloba have long been used in traditional
medicine to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies suggest that these plants contain bioactive compounds
with significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (Ali et al., 2020). Phytochemicals such as flavonoids,
tannins, and alkaloids are believed to contribute to their therapeutic effects, making them potential candidates for
natural remedies against diarrhoeal diseases (Sadiq et al., 2021).
 GLYPHAEA BREVIS AND ITS ANTIDIARRHOEAL PROPERTIES

Glyphaea brevis, a member of the Malvaceae family, is known for its traditional use in treating diarrhoea
and related gastrointestinal issues. Studies have shown that the plant contains flavonoids, tannins, and
alkaloids, which possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (Bawa et al., 2020). These
bioactive compounds inhibit bacterial growth, reduce intestinal inflammation, and alleviate diarrhoeal
symptoms. Previous research has demonstrated the plant's efficacy against pathogens such as E. coli and
Salmonella spp., supporting its traditional use as a diarrhoeal remedy (Ojo et al., 2022).

IPOMOEA TRILOBA AND ITS THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Ipomoea triloba, commonly known as the three-lobed morning glory, is another plant widely used in
traditional medicine to treat diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal disorders. The plant contains flavonoids,
alkaloids, and saponins, all of which have been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
effects (Sharma et al., 2021). Studies on Ipomoea triloba have revealed its potential to reduce the
frequency and severity of diarrhoea, particularly in animal models, suggesting its efficacy as a natural
treatment option (Ali et al., 2020).
 PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GLYPHAEA BREVIS
 Rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins—compounds known for their antibacterial and antioxidant
properties.
 Traditionally used for treating gastrointestinal conditions, including diarrhoea, in African herbal medicine.

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF IPOMOEA TRILOBA

 Contains a variety of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins.
 Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
 METHODOLOGY

the Agar ditch method was employed to establish the MIC. The culture medium used was Mueller Hinton Agar,
prepared according to the manufacturer’s guidelines , resulting in a concentration of 42 mg/ml. To prepare
various concentrations of the Ipomoea triloba extract, serial dilutions were conducted in water: 5 g in 10 mL, 4 g
in 10 mL, 3 g in 10 mL, 2 g in 10 mL, 1 g in 10 mL, 0.5 g in 10 mL, and 0.25 g in 10 mL. Similarly,
concentrations of the Glyphaea brevis extract were prepared using the same dilution scheme: 4 g in 10 mL, 3 g in
10 mL, 2 g in 10 mL, 1 g in 10 mL, 0.5 g in 10 mL, and 0.25 g in 10 ml. After preparing the dilutions, 1 mL of
the 5 g/10 mL Ipomoea triloba extract was mixed with 1 mL of each diluted concentration of the Glyphaea
brevis extract in individual sample bottles. This mixing procedure was repeated for all remaining diluted
concentrations of Ipomoea triloba
 RESULTS
 Ethanol Extracts: Ethanol extracts demonstrated higher antibacterial efficacy compared
to aqueous extracts, particularly against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus spp., where
inhibition was observed at higher concentrations (600 mg/ml and 800 mg/ml). The
ethanol extracts were more effective due to their ability to dissolve a wider range of
bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which have known antimicrobial
properties.
 Aqueous Extracts: The aqueous extracts showed moderate antibacterial activity but
were less effective compared to ethanol extracts. Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhii, and
Staphylococcus aureus displayed resistance to the aqueous extracts, with minimal
inhibition observed even at the highest concentrations (800 mg/ml).
 Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC): The lowest concentrations at which microbial
growth was inhibited varied across bacterial species, with ethanol extracts generally
showing better results. For Proteus spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae, growth was
inhibited at 600 mg/ml and above.
 DISCUSSION

The study revealed that the ethanol extracts of Ipomoea triloba and Glyphaea brevis were more effective
than the aqueous extracts in inhibiting the growth of several bacterial strains. Notably, Klebsiella
pneumoniae and Proteus spp. were highly susceptible to the ethanol extracts at higher concentrations, with
complete inhibition observed at 600 mg/ml and 800 mg/ml. Conversely, aqueous extracts demonstrated
weaker antibacterial activity across all tested bacterial strains, particularly Escherichia coli and Salmonella
typhi, which exhibited no significant inhibition. The observed differences in efficacy between the extracts
suggest that ethanol is a more suitable solvent for extracting bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and
flavonoids, which are known for their antimicrobial properties. These results align with existing literature
that supports the use of ethanol extracts for isolating more potent phytochemicals compared to aqueous
methods
 CONCLUSION

The findings from this study confirm that Glyphaea brevis and Ipomoea triloba possess
antidiarrhoeal properties, particularly through their antibacterial activity against common diarrhoeal
pathogens. The effectiveness of the plant extracts, especially at higher concentrations, supports their
traditional use in treating diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal disorders. The Ethanol extracts
demonstrated greater efficacy than the aqueous extracts, suggesting that the bioactive compounds in
these plants are more effectively extracted by Ethanol. Given the rising challenge of antibiotic
resistance, these plants hold promise as alternative therapeutic agents for treating bacterial
infections, especially in resource-limited settings.
 RECOMMENDATION

 Further Isolation of Active Compounds: Future research should aim to isolate and identify the
specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed antibacterial effects in both plants. This
will help develop standardized plant-based treatments.
 In Vivo Studies: In vivo experiments are essential to determine the safety, efficacy, and appropriate
dosage of these plant extracts in animal models, and eventually in clinical trials with humans.
 Synergistic Studies: Investigating the synergistic effects of combining these plant extracts with
conventional antibiotics could enhance the efficacy of current treatments, especially in tackling
antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.
 Broader Spectrum Testing: Further studies should evaluate the extracts against a wider range of
bacterial species, including those responsible for diarrhoea in different geographical regions, to
confirm the general applicability of the results.
 REFERENCES
Ali, A., Khan, A., Ali, and Khan, S. (2020). Medicinal plants with antidiarrheal properties: A review on scientific
and traditional perspective. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 129, 110389.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110389

Bawa, D., Dan, G., Bala, S., and Mangoro, A. (2020). Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of aqueous
and aqueousic extracts of Glyphaea brevis leaves. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 8(2), 23-29.

Ojo, A. A., Ibrahim, A. B., and Okeke, P. C. (2022). Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of
aqueous extract of Glyphaea brevis against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical
Research, 18(3), 45-52.

Okeke, I. N., Lamikanra, A., and Edelman, R. (2022). Combating enteric bacterial pathogens in developing
countries: The role of plant-based remedies. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 16(1), 8-17.

Omotayo, O. P., Owolabi, J. O., Oloyede, O. I., and Oladipo, O. O. (2021). Antimicrobial activity of plant
extracts on diarrhoeal pathogens: A review of scientific evidence. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 280,
114267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114267