Effects of Oxalis barrelieri L. (Oxalidaceae) aqueous extract on diarrhea induced by Shigella dysenteriae type 1 in rats

AIM: Oxalis barrelieri is a medicinal plant commonly used in Cameroon, for the treatment of many diarrheal diseases. The antibacterial properties of O barrelieri aqueous extract (WOb) against Shigella dysenteriae type 1 were investigated in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Antibacterial activity was evaluated in vitro by disc diffusion method and by macrodilution method. S dysenteriae type 1 at a dose of 1.2 × 10(9) CFU was administrated orally to rats to induce shigellosis. For 6 consecutive days, diarrheic rats were treated with O barrelieri aqueous extract (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) or norfloxacin (20 mg/kg BW). The diarrheal stool weight and S dysenteriae type 1 density were assessed during the treatment period, and death rate recorded. Nitric oxide production in blood and in colonic homogenate and blood parameters were assessed, and the histological section of the colon was performed in the survivors. RESULTS: The minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of WOb were, respectively, 6 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL. The mean minimal bactericidal concentration/minimal inhibitory concentration ratio for WOb against S dysenteriae type 1 was high (˃4); WOb could be classified as a bacteriostatic drug. WOb significantly (P < .01) reduced bacterial density and diarrheal stool weight. WOb decreased nitric oxide production (P < .01) in the large intestine and protected the mucosa of the colon from bacterial destruction. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that O barrelieri aqueous extract possesses bacteriostatic and antidiarrheal activities and reduces damages caused to intestinal mucosa barrier by pathogenic mechanisms of Shigella. This extract could be used as an alternative therapeutic for infectious diarrhea.