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Relaxant effect of Enantia clorantha on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle of rodents


EO Agbaje
OO Okubadejo

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

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