Pharmacological actions and acute toxicity of methyl- and phenyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxy styryl ketones

Some pharmacological actions and acute toxicity effects of methyl- and phenyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxy styryl ketones have been described in experimental animals. The compounds antagonised the contractions evoked by a variety of agonists on several smooth muscle preparations in vitro. They produced inhibitory effects on spontaneously contracting uteri from pregnant rats and relaxant effects on pendular movements of rabbit duodenum and on dog intestinal movements in vivo. The compounds inhibited the castor oil induced diarrhoea in rat and propulsion of charcoal test meal in mice. Phenylbutazone showed similar effect on castor oil diarrhoea. The compounds failed to modify gestation period or parturition in pregnant rats. They antagonised bradykinin-induced bronchospasm in guinea pig. The compounds showed no significant effect on cardiovascular and respiratory systems: CNS and general behaviour were not affected even at high doses. Oral LD50 for both the compounds was greater than 2 g/kg.