Abstract

Background:
The treatment of constipation with contemporary medications is costly and has a significant risk of adverse effects.

Aim:
This study evaluated the combined efficacy of the ethanolic leaf extract of Cassia alata with Plantago major in alleviating loperamide-induced constipation in rats.

Methods:
Rats had constipation induced by an oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg BW) for 6 days, followed by three control groups assessment (normal, negative, positive which treated bisacodyl), and three treatment groups of the leaf extract of Cassia alata with Plantago major (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BW) for 6 days. The alterations in quantity, mass, and hydration of feces, motility and gastrointestinal transit ratio were calculated.

Results:
All groups of the treatment demonstrated that oral administration of 50–100 mg/kg of the leaf extract combination demonstrated significant laxative activity, as reflected by improved gastrointestinal transit.

Conclusion:
The leaf extract combination of Cassia alata with Plantago major with dosages 50 - 100 mg/kg has potential laxative properties. This combination at the minimum dosage of 50 mg/kg is more favorable, potentially due to a synergistic interaction between the two extracts. Further studies involving additional dose combinations are recommended.

Key words: Cassia alata; Herbs; Laxative; Plantago major.