Evaluation of the in vivo Laxative Effects of Aqueous Leaf and Stem Extracts of Artemisia abyssinica in Mice [LETTER]

Abstract

We have closely read the recent article titled “Evaluation of the in vivo Laxative Effects of Aqueous Leaf and Stem Extracts of Artemisia abyssinica in Mice” by Ayele et al. 1 Interestingly, according to our searches, there is limited research available on the Aqueous Leaf and Stem Extracts of Artemisia abyssinica (A. abyssinica) . Most previous studies have focused on the antibacterial and antioxidant effect of A. abyssinica using crude extracts and essential oils. Hence, this study is likely the first evaluation of the laxative effects of Aqueous Leaf and Stem Extracts of A. abyssinica . This study used a method to prepare aqueous leaves and stems of A. abyssinica extracts by heating a plant in 0.8L of distilled water in a 1:1 ratio. Sorita et al (2023) highlighted the benefits of using aqueous extracts, such as minimizing the reliance on organic solvents, reducing expenses, and lowering energy consumption. 2 Based on the results of this article, aqueous leaf and stem extracts of A. abyssinica have demonstrated laxative activity, specifically loperamide-induced constipation. The standard drugs (Castor oil) and bisacodyl used in this study also increased the wet fecal content and frequency of defecation. Ikarashi et al showed that the laxative effect of