Analysis of the responses of rats ileum to the effect of aqueous rhizome extract of <i>Zingiber Officinale</i>

Abstract

Background: The gastrointestinal system is innervated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). ANS mediate its effect by the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter secreted by the parasympathetic nervous system. Its stimulation produces increase intestinal motility, sphincter muscle relaxation and stimulation of secretion. The actions of acetylcholine can be blocked by using a cholinergic receptor, antagonist such as atropine.
Aims: This study is aimed at determining the effect of aqueous rhizome extract of Zingiber officinale on an isolated rat ileum
Result: The aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale produced similar effect as atropine, as seen when varied increasing doses(1mg/ml, 2mg/ml, 4mg/ml) of the extract was administered. It produced significant inhibition (P< 0.05) at 1mg/ml (P< 0.01) at 2mg/ml (P< 0.001) and at 4mg/ml intestinal motility respectively , indicating anti diarrhoea effect.

Keywords: Zingiber officinale, Acetylcholine, Atropine, Muscarinic receptor