[Una mezcla de manzanilla y anís estrella con actividad antimotilidad y antidiarreica en ratones].

Diarrhea is a serious public health problem in Mexico and other countries. An alternative widely used in the treatment of diarrhea is the use of medicinal herbs. Infusions of chamomile and star anise, which have anti-inflammatory and antimotility properties, could help alleviate gastrointestinal disorders.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the mixture of infusions of star anise and chamomile on the gastrointestinal activity in mice.Ten groups were formed with 10 mice per group. The percentage of advance of the activated charcoal administered through the intestine of the animals was evaluated. The model of diarrhea was induced with castor oil. The infusions were prepared using a mixture with a 50:50 ratio of the herbs, and were administered in a mixture of 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg orally.The results indicate that mixtures 40 and 80 decreased the percentage of advance of activated charcoal, delayed the onset of diarrhea and decreased the number of evacuations compared to the control group.The study suggests that the combination of chamomile and star anise can be used as an alternative antidiarrheal treatment.