Effects of an Aqueous Extract from Yucca schidigera on Gastrointestinal Transit in Mice

The effect of an aqueous extract from Yucca schidigera (Agavaceae) on the gastrointestinal transit rate and cathartic activity in mice was investigated. Male mice were administered a 5% charcoal suspension and various doses of the Yucca extract. The gastrointestinal transit rate was expressed as the percentage of the longest distance traversed by the charcoal divided by the total length of the small intestine. Cathartic effect by the Yucca extract was determined by closely monitoring the condition of the mice faeces for 22 h post extract administration. Yucca extract significantly increased the gastrointestinal transit rate in mice at doses above 0.35 g kg−1. The effect on gastrointestinal transit of the Yucca extract, at a dose of 0.35 g kg−1, was greater than that of 20% magnesium sulphate. The extract also improved dopamine‐induced gastrointestinal transit delay. The Yucca extract did not induce diarrhoea, while magnesium sulphate caused diarrhoea dose‐dependently. These results suggest that the aqueous extract from Yucca schidigera might have an effect on gastrointestinal propulsion rather than cathartic activity.