Phytotherapy for Diarrhea: Investigating Efficacy and Safety of Local Plants
Ngugi Mwaura J.
School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
Diarrhea remains one of the most prevalent and life-threatening conditions worldwide, particularly among children under five, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. While conventional treatments such as oral rehydration therapy and antimotility drugs are effective, they are not always accessible, especially in low-resource settings. Phytotherapy the use of plant-based medicine has long been practiced across cultures and is gaining renewed attention due to its accessibility, affordability, and potential for fewer side effects. This paper investigates the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of various local plants traditionally used to treat diarrhea. It also explores ethnomedical practices in different regions, with a focus on West Africa and South Asia, where traditional healers play a pivotal role in primary healthcare. Several medicinal plants, such as Terminalia chebula, Nigella sativa, and Chromolaena odorata, have demonstrated promising antidiarrheal activity through mechanisms such as fluid secretion inhibition and antimicrobial effects. While preclinical evidence supports their use, challenges remain in standardization, toxicity monitoring, and integration with modern healthcare. Regulatory gaps, cultural beliefs, and limited pharmacological data further complicate their broader adoption. Nonetheless, these plants represent a valuable reservoir for novel antidiarrheal therapies, warranting further scientific validation and policy support.
Keywords: Diarrhea, Phytotherapy, Medicinal plants, Ethnobotany, Antidiarrheal agents, Herbal medicine, Traditional healing, Plant safety and toxicity.
CITE AS: Ngugi Mwaura J. (2025). Phytotherapy for Diarrhea: Investigating Efficacy and Safety of Local Plants. IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ALLIED FIELDS 10(1):59-65. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JBBAF/2025/1015965