Integrated Laxative Effects of Plantago major Leaf Extract on Intestinal Function and Colonic Histology in Loperamide-Induced Constipated Rats

This study evaluated the laxative activity of Plantago major leaf extract in loperamide-induced constipated rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats received no treatment, loperamide alone, loperamide with bisacodyl, or loperamide with P. major extract at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight (BW). Loperamide reduced fecal number, weight, and water content, intestinal transit ratio, muscular thickness, goblet cell number, and goblet cell area (p < 0.05). The extract increased fecal number and weight, improved intestinal transit, and partially restored colonic histology; 100 mg/kg BW was the only dose that restored both muscular thickness and goblet cell area. P. major leaf extract therefore has laxative activity and is a candidate natural agent for the management of constipation.