| Abstract: | The antispasmodic property of the underground parts of Aristolochia albida Duch (family: Aristolochiaceae) was evaluated. The evidence was provided by the aqueous extract of the plant's rhizome which exhibited significant relaxation of the spontaneous pendular contraction of isolated rabbit duodenum. The extract at moderate doses abolished acetylcholine (Ach), histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced contractions on isolated rabbit duodenum and guinea-pig ileum. The effects of the extract mimicked antagonists (atropine, mepyramine and methysergide). Therefore, the extract evoked its antispasmodic actions by antagonism via muscarinic, histaminic and 5-HT receptors. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
