Alteration In Gut Serotonin Level Induced by Ethanolic Ripen Fruit Extract of Ficus Carica and Its Mechanism Against Constipation in Animal Models

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V. Lalitha , M. Jagadeeswaran , K. Gladys Kalpana, M. Ramamoothi , T. Sivakumar

Abstract

Constipation is a common, long-term gastrointestinal motility problem. Because of their long-term side effects, the drugs available to treat constipation are restricted. Ficus carica belongs to the mulberry family Moraceae, commonly known as fig. It is traditionally used as an emollient, laxative, aphrodisiac, cough suppressant, hemorrhoids suppressants, antiulcer, and hypercholesterolemia. Several animal and human studies have reported the anti-constipation activity and the mechanism of ethanolic fruit extract of Ficus carica [EFF]. But, serotonin's role behind gut motility is not yet reported. Therefore the current research was conducted to evaluate the role of EFF in gut serotonin and its mechanism against constipation in animal models. The extract's total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The charcoal meal test and the loperamide-induced constipation model were used to assess EFF's anti-constipation effectiveness. The gut serotonin was measured by spectrofluorimeter and gut serotonin transporter (SERT) by ELISA. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was found as 326.9 ± 9.2 mg of GAE/g and 22.94 ± 0.4 mg of RT/g respectively. When compared to control animals, the results from these models demonstrate a significant dose-dependent increase in peristalsis index and moisture content. The EFF-treated animals showed reduced gut serotonin and SERT in the sigmoidal colon. The gut serotonin binds on the 5-HT4 receptor in colon smooth muscle and accelerates colon motility. The EFF decrease the reuptake of serotonin in enterocyte by reducing SERT. The tryptophan in EFF increases the synthesis of serotonin. More research, such as serotonin content in feces and tryptophan hydroxylase-1 in the gut, is needed to confirm the mechanism behind serotonin release. The oral administration of EFF was proven to be useful in the treatment of constipation in this trial.

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