Gut function is controlled by both the enteric (intestinal)
nervous system and central nervous system. The autacoids (serotonin,
acetylcholine and prostaglandins) play an important role
in the control of intestinal movements and secretions. Our findings
suggest that the extract can increase the absorption of water
and electrolyte from the gastrointestinal tract, since the extract
delays the intestinal transit in mice as compared to the control,
allowing a greater time for absorption. Thus the inhibitory effect
of the propulsive movement of small intestine can explain the
antidiarrhoeal activity in our experimental models. The muscarinic,
serotonin and opioid receptors and prostaglandin may
have some role in the inhibition of the gut caused by the extract,
but needs further analysis to prove this claim.