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Relaxant effect of <i>Enantia clorantha</i> on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle of rodents
Abstract
The effects of aqueous boiled and evaporated extract of Enantia chlorantha (0.8 and 1.5g kg-1) were studied on certain functions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) vis-a-vis, gastrointestinal fluid accumulation and motility as well as castor oil induced diarrhoea, using adult rats and mice that have been starved 14-20h prior to experiment.
The extract was found to exert inhibitory action on the GIT, which resulted in reduced percentage transit in the herbal-drug-treated animals, when compared with controls (p<0.05). While atropine (0.25mgkg-1) produced a greater reduction in the rate of intestinal transit, 0.1mgkg-1 carbachol enhanced intestinal motility. Furthermore, E. chlorantha extract reduced the intensity of castor oil induced diarrhoea (p<0.05). A similar trend of E. chlorantha\'s effeect was observed in GIT fluid accumulated in the animals (p>0.05).
Lastly, graded doses (12.3-196.8mg) of the herbal preparation that were separately tested on the rat duodenum and ileum also produced relaxation of the isolated tissues similar to 0.55x10-4 M adrenaline, although not as efficacious. Propranolol, (0.34x10-5 M); a β-receptor blocker, antagonized the effects of adrenaline and E. chlorantha in-vitro.
Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(3) 2004: 80-83
The extract was found to exert inhibitory action on the GIT, which resulted in reduced percentage transit in the herbal-drug-treated animals, when compared with controls (p<0.05). While atropine (0.25mgkg-1) produced a greater reduction in the rate of intestinal transit, 0.1mgkg-1 carbachol enhanced intestinal motility. Furthermore, E. chlorantha extract reduced the intensity of castor oil induced diarrhoea (p<0.05). A similar trend of E. chlorantha\'s effeect was observed in GIT fluid accumulated in the animals (p>0.05).
Lastly, graded doses (12.3-196.8mg) of the herbal preparation that were separately tested on the rat duodenum and ileum also produced relaxation of the isolated tissues similar to 0.55x10-4 M adrenaline, although not as efficacious. Propranolol, (0.34x10-5 M); a β-receptor blocker, antagonized the effects of adrenaline and E. chlorantha in-vitro.
Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(3) 2004: 80-83
