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Ethnobotanical and preclinical evaluation demonstrates anti-diarrheal efficacy of traditional plant species in experimental models, highlighting potential alternatives to synthetic drugs.
Foodborne diarrhea remains a major global public health issue, particularly in developing regions where access to modern medical treatment is limited. Antibiotic resistance and the adverse side effects of synthetic drugs have prompted a renewed interest in traditional herbal medicine. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat foodborne diarrhea. Through extensive ethnobotanical surveys conducted across 720 communities and supported by pharmacological evaluations, including in vivo and in vitro assays, 31 medicinal plants were identified for further scientific inquiry. Laboratory testing confirmed significant anti-diarrheal properties in several plant species, including Acacia nilotica, Andrographis paniculata, Brucea javanica, Daucus carota, and Piper betle. Comparative studies with conventional treatments like loperamide revealed promising efficacy, with no reported side effects in animal or clinical trials. This study highlights the importance of integrating traditional plant knowledge into modern healthcare systems to enhance treatment accessibility and address antibiotic resistance. Further research and policy development are essential for the safe, standardized, and effective application of these medicinal resources.
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Omukisa Kireba K. (2025) studied this question.
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