Protective and antioxidant effects of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes hydroethanolic extract on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats.

Gastrointestinal disorders, which significantly impact human health, are a major focus of research. Diarrhea is one such disorder, affecting individuals across all age groups. Conventional anti-diarrheal drugs are often characterized byside effects, so safer alternative treatments are needed. In this context, we investigated the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica, a plant known for its therapeutic properties, by evaluating the impact of its cladode hydroethanolic extraction castor oil-induced diarrhea in rat. The hydroethanolic cladodes extract (HECE) was prepared from fresh cladodes, and its bioactive compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antidiarrheal potential of HECE was evaluated at increasing doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/Kg) using the castor oil-induced diarrhea model, as well as intestinal transit and enteropooling assays in rats. Histological changes in tissues were assessed using a high-performance slide scanner (Zeiss Axioscan7), and biochemical analyses were conducted on gastric and intestinal tissue homogenates. HPLC analysis identified eight phenolic compounds known to have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal disorders. In vivo, HECE administration reduced the number of stools and wet stools, normalized the antioxidant enzymes activities (Superoxide dismutase and Catalase) and levels of mediators such as plasma calcium and free iron. Histological analysis further confirmed mucosal protection, showing preserved villi and reduced epithelial disruption in treated rats. These findings suggest that HECE from Opuntia ficus-indica exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-diarrheal properties in rats, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for diarrhea.