Antimotility and andidiarrhoel activity of Myrtus communis L. Leaves essential oil in mice

Objective: To analyze the myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) leaves essential oil (MEO) and to investigate its antimotility and antidiahhroeal effects in mice. Methods: The chemical composition of the volatile fraction of myrtle was studied using GC-MS analysis. The antimotility activity was evaluated using normal gastric emptying and intestinal transit. The antidiarrhoeal and antisecretory activities of the essential oil were tested using castor oil methods in mice. Results: The results revealed that MEO characterized by its richness of α-pinene (54.1%) and 1.8-cineole (26.5%). MEO significantly decreased gastric emptying at the highest dose (500 mg/kg) and the intestinal transit at the three used doses (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg). The essential oil demonstrated also dose dependent antidiarrhoeal and antisecretory activities. Conclusion: MEO has antidiarrhoeal and antisecretory activity in mice, which may justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine for treatment of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal motility disorders.