Phytochemical Characterization, TLC Fingerprinting, and Evaluation of the Laxative Activity of Putranjiva roxburghii Seed Extracts in Loperamide-Induced Constipation

Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and difficulty in defecation. Although several synthetic laxatives are available, their prolonged use is often associated with undesirable adverse effects. Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. seeds have traditionally been used for the management of constipation; however, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy and safety remains limited.

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprint profile, acute oral toxicity, and laxative potential of successive seed extracts of Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. in a loperamide-induced constipation model.

Methods: Successive extraction of Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. seeds was performed using petroleum ether (60–80°C), ethyl acetate, and hydroalcoholic solvent (ethanol:water (70:30 v/v)) in a Soxhlet apparatus. Preliminary phytochemical screening and TLC fingerprint analysis were carried out to characterize the extracts. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 420. Constipation was induced in rats using loperamide (3 mg/kg, p.o.), and the laxative activity of the extracts was assessed by measuring fecal output, wet fecal weight, fecal water content, and gastrointestinal transit. Bisacodyl (0.25 mg/kg) served as the standard reference drug.

Results: The hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) exhibited the highest extraction yield (7.9%) and contained flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. TLC fingerprint analysis demonstrated greater chromatographic complexity in HAE than in the petroleum ether (PEE) and ethyl acetate (EAE) extracts. No mortality or evident signs of acute toxicity were observed following oral administration of HAE and EAE at 2000 mg/kg body weight under the conditions of the acute toxicity study. Pharmacological evaluation revealed that HAE significantly improved fecal parameters and gastrointestinal transit, with generally greater effects observed at 400 mg/kg than at 200 mg/kg. At 400 mg/kg, HAE produced effects of a similar magnitude to those observed with bisacodyl (0.25 mg/kg).

Conclusion: The findings provide scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. seeds for the management of constipation. The hydroalcoholic seed extract demonstrated significant laxative and gastrointestinal motility-enhancing activities while exhibiting a favorable acute toxicity profile, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of constipation.