Laxative Activity of Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major) in the Colon of Non-Constipated Sprague-Dawley Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

Laxatives are a class of medication used to treat constipation, empty the gastrointestinal tract as a pre-operative procedure, and support gastrointestinal function recovery during post-operative treatment. Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) has been proven to exhibit laxative effects in constipated conditions. This research aims to analyze the laxative potential of Plantago major leaf extract in the colon of non-constipated Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into 5 treatment groups, which included a normal control, a bisacodyl control, and 3 dosages of Plantago major leaf extract at 50 mg/kg body weight (BW), 100 mg/kg (BW), and 200 mg/kg (BW), respectively. The colon was prepared as histological slides stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Alcian Blue (AB), and Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS). The results were observed by measuring parameters of goblet cell number, goblet cell area, and intensity of AB and PAS staining. This study demonstrated that 50-200 mg/kg Plantago major extract increased goblet cell number, goblet cell area, and mucin secretion in non-constipated rats, suggesting its potential as a mild laxative for gastrointestinal support.