Antidiarrheal Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Punica granatum. (Pomegranate) Peels

Abstract

The antidiarrheal effects of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. L. (Punicaceae) peels were evaluated in rats. Studies were carried out on the isolated rat ileum, gastrointestinal motility in vivo., and on castor oil–induced diarrhea in rats. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous movement of the isolated rat ileum and attenuated acetylcholine-induced contractions. The extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) also caused a dose-dependent decrease of gastrointestinal transit and markedly protected rats against castor oil–induced diarrhea enteropooling. The intraperitoneal injection LD₅₀ of the extract was found to be 1321 ± 15 mg/kg in mice. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. peels gave positive tests for tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum. peels may contain some biologically active principles that may be active against diarrhea, and this may be the basis for its traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders.     

Preliminary Investigation of the Oxytocic Action of an Aqueous Extract of Lagenaria breviflora Fruit

Abstract

The effects of an aqueous extract of Lagenaria breviflora Robert (Cucurbitaceae) fruit on pregnant and non-pregnant isolated rat uteri have been investigated.

The aqueous extract of L. breviflora fruit induced concentration-dependent, oxytocin-like contractions of the gravid and non-gravid isolated rat uteri. The extract-evoked contractions of the uterine strips examined were not modified by the standard antagonists used. The aqueous extract of L. breviflora fruit failed to contract the guinea-pig isolated ileum, whereas acetylcholine and histamine contracted this mammalian gastro-intestinal tract smooth muscle in a dose-related manner. The plausible pharmacological implications of these findings are discussed.     

Effect of Aframomum melegueta. Seed Extract on Castor Oil–Induced Diarrhea

ABSTRACT

The effect of the aqueous (aq) seed extract of Aframomum melegueta. K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae) on castor oil-induced diarrhea, intestinal fluid secretion, and gastrointestinal transit was investigated in the study. Castor oil (10 ml/kg, p.o.) induced copious diarrhea in all rats 3 h after treatment. Furthermore, it produced a significant increase in the volume of intestinal fluid secretion in rats and also enhanced intestinal transit in mice. The aq seed extract of A. melegueta. (100–500 mg/kg, p.o.) offered significant protection against diarrhea induced by the oil. At a dose range of 250–500 mg/kg, the extract reduced significantly the volume of fluid secretion in castor oil–treated rats. At these doses, it also demonstrated a significant antitransit activity in a dose-related manner. Acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) delayed diarrhea and reduced the number of animals with diarrheal droppings to 20%. At the same dose level, acetylsalicylic acid reduced significantly the volume of intestinal fluid secretion but lacked antitransit property in castor oil–treated animals. N.-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (2.5–10 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently reduced the number of animals with diarrhea. At 50 mg/kg i.p., it offered 100% protection against diarrhea induced by the oil. Furthermore, L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited both the intestinal fluid secretion and gastrointestinal transit induced by castor oil. However, L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not significantly modify the antidiarrheal effect of A. melegueta.. L-Arginine, a substrate of nitric oxide synthase or isosorbide dinitrate, a nitric oxide donor, did not alter the effect of A. melegueta. on diarrhea. Ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and α.-tocopherol (20 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the number of animals with diarrhea to 80% and 70%, respectively. However, they both lacked significant activities on intestinal fluid secretion and gastrointestinal transit induced by castor oil. The combination of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or α.-tocopherol (20 mg/kg, p.o.) with A. melegueta. (500 mg/kg) offered higher protection against diarrhea than the extract alone. Considering these results together, it may be inferred that Aframomum melegueta. seed extract may be a useful antidiarrheal agent.     

Anti-Asthmatic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ocimum sanctum

Abstract

The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the volatile and fixed oils of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated against histamine- and acetylcholine-in-duced pre-convulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs. The 50% ethanol extract of fresh leaves, volatile oil extracted from fresh leaves and fixed oil from the seeds significantly protected the guinea pigs against histamine- and acetylcholine-induced PCD. These extracts also inhibited hind paw edema induced in rats by treatment with carrageenan, serotonin, histamine or PGE₂. However, the 50% ethanol extract of dried leaves did not protect the guinea pigs against histamine-induced PCD.     

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Entada abyssinica. Leaves

Abstract

The effects of the defatted methanol extract of Entada abyssinica. Steud. ex A. Rich leaves on some models of inflammation were investigated. The analgesic property of the plant extract was also tested on acetic acid–induced writhing, as well as formalin-induced paw licking, in mice. The antipyretic effect was evaluated using yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in mice. At doses of 50–200 mg/kg, the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration after intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan in rats. A topical anti-inflammatory effect was produced by 20 mg/ear of the extract, as demonstrated by inhibition of croton oil–induced ear edema in mice. The analgesic property of the plant extract was observed by inhibition of acetic acid–induced writhing and paw licking induced by formalin in mice. The extract, however, exhibited no antipyretic activity. This study further established the anti-inflammatory activity of E. abyssinica., in addition to its analgesic effect.     

Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal activity of Salvia connivens

Context: Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity and accounts for 5–8 million deaths worldwide each year. Salvia connivens Epling (Lamiaceae) is used to treat sore throat, fevers, diarrhea, malaria, and also is used as an antipyretic.

Objective: The present study evaluates the efficacy of S. connivens in the treatment of diarrhea using animal models.

Materials and methods: The anti-diarrheal effect of methanol extract of S. connivens was investigated on mice with castor oil, arachidonic acid (AA) or prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)-induced diarrhea. On Wistar rats, the activity was evaluated on the intestinal transit and Castor oil-induced enteropooling.

Results: The methanol extract at doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200?mg/kg on castor oil-induced diarrhea reduced the diarrhea by 32.3, 41.9, 67.7, 74.2, 83.3, and 100%, respectively. Additionally, this extract, at doses of 200?mg/kg, inhibited AA-induced diarrhea by 100%. The methanol extract produced no effect on PGE₂-induced diarrhea at the same doses. In Wistar rats, at dose of 200?mg/kg, the methanol extract inhibited intestinal transit and decreased the volume of intestinal secretion induced by castor oil.

Discussion: The methanol extract showed anti-diarrheal effect on the animal models used. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, and saponins which may be responsible for this effect. The extract did not cause any mortality or any visible signs of toxicity or differences in food and water uptake were seen.

Conclusions: These results justify the use of S. connivens as an anti-diarrheal agent.     

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Amaranthus spinosus Leaf Extract

The methanol extract of Amaranthus spinosus L. leaves was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities in different animal models. The effect of the plant extract was also studied on castor oil–induced diarrhea and gastric mucosal integrity. The extract (25–100 mg/kg) inhibited the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of acetic acid–induced increased vascular permeability. Inhibition of the cotton pellet granuloma was also inhibited by 100 mg/kg of the plant extract. Analgesic activity was exhibited with the significant and dose-related reduction in the number of writhings induced with acetic acid, as well reduction in paw licking induced by injection of formalin in mice. The extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) produced gastric erosion in rats, following repeated administration for 4 days, and with 25–100 mg/kg of the extract, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in castor oil–induced diarrhea in rats. These results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of the leaf extract of A. spinosus. It is also suggested that the plant extract probably acts by the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis.     

Antidiarrheal evaluation of the ethanol extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark

Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Nigeria folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The root bark of the plant was extracted with 70% ethanol and the extract screened for antidiarrheal activity by investigating castor oil-induced diarrhea and small intestinal motility in mice. The effects of the extract on isolated rat ileum were also investigated. The extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in the frequency of diarrhea and conferred protection following castor oil administration (P < 0.05). It also significantly (P < 0.0001) inhibited small intestinal motility in mice at the same doses. Its activity was dose-dependent and when compared to atropine, its antidiarrheal effects at 500 mg/kg were 179% and 165% respectively, in castor oil-induced diarrhea and small intestinal motility experiments. Extract effects on rat ileum revealed a significant (P < 0.0001) inhibition of acetylcholine-induced contractions at 0.2 and 2 mg/mL final bath concentrations used. These findings confirm the antidiarrheal activity of the root bark extract of N. latifolia.     

Mangifera indica. Stem Bark Effect on the Rat Trachea Contracted by Acetylcholine and Histamine

Abstract

Experiments were designed to determine the effect of Mangifera indica. Linn stem bark aqueous extract on rat trachea previously incubated in presence of indomethacin, propranolol, and atropine or promethazine with histamine or acetylcholine as agonist. The strips of trachea were suspended for isometric tension recording at 37°C. M. indica. aqueous extract at 2 mg/ml impair the contraction induced both by histamine and acetylcholine in all three experimental conditions. The contractile responses (% maximum effect) induced by histamine at 12 × 10^?4 g/ml, in the presence of extract, were respectively 69.18 ± 3.05% (indomethacin), 74.18 ± 1.03% (indomethacin + propranolol), and 45.54 ± 1.7% (indomethacin + propranolol + atropine) versus 100 ± 5.15% for control. The extract also reduced the contraction induced by acetylcholine, but this inhibitory effect is lightly decreased when the tissues were contracted by acetylcholine after incubation in presence of indomethacin + propranolol. These experiments suggest that the aqueous extract of M. indica. could block both the histaminic and muscarinic receptors on rat trachea; and the results corroborate with the traditional use of M. indica. stem bark in the treatment of asthma.     

Psychopharmacological effects of Artemisia copa aqueous extract in mice

Objective: To evaluate the aqueous extract from aerial parts of Artemisia copa Phil. (Asteraceae) administered orallyfor its psychopharmacological activities in several experimental models

Methods: The extract was administered p.o. in Swiss albino mice and tested on pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, locomotor activity, exploration in the hole-board, anxiolytic like profile evaluated in the marble-burying test and anticonvulsant activity on convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol.

Results: Artemisia copa at doses up to 1.5?g/kg produced a dose-dependent sleep induction and potentiation of sub-hypnotic and hypnotic doses of pentobarbital. The extract also produced a dose-dependent increase and decrease in the spontaneous motor activity (0.5–1.5?g/kg, respectively), no disruption or a decrease on exploratory (hole-board) behavioral profiles (0.5–1.5?g/kg respectively) and a dose-related anxiolytic-like activity as indicated by increases in the percentage of marbles they left uncovered in the marble-burying test at doses (0.5?g/kg) that do not disrupt the motor activity. In addition, the extract (1.5?g/kg) produced a significant increase in the latency time and a decrease in the duration of seizures and mortality induced by PTZ 75?mg/kg in mice.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Artemisia copa may contain sedative principles with potential anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activities.     

Evaluation of Antidiarrheal Potential of Emblica officinalis.

ABSTRACT

The antidiarrheal potential of the methanol extract of the fruit of Emblica officinalis. Gaertn. Euphorbiaceae was evaluated using several experimental models of diarrhea in Wistar albino rats. The methanol extract showed a significant inhibitory effect on rats with diarrhea induced by castor oil and magnesium sulfate. The methanol extract produced a significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal tests in rats. It also significantly inhibited PGE₂-induced enteropooling as compared to control animals. The results obtained establish the efficacy and substantiate the use of this herbal remedy as a nonspecific treatment for diarrhea in folk medicine.     

Gut modulatory and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of Gaultheria trichophylla

Context: Gaultheria trichophylla Royle (Ericaceae) and related species have been used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, pain and inflammation.

Objective: The present investigation explores G. trichophylla for its potential activity in hyperactive gut disorders.

Materials and methods: Antidiarrheal activity was evaluated on castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice with reference to standard drug verapamil. Gut modulatory activity was performed on isolated jejunum tissue preparations on spontaneous and high potassium induced contractions. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity was performed with an in vitro study. Extract was tested for toxicity in mice.

Results: In the in vivo studies, the methanol extract of G. trichophylla and verapamil significantly (p?<?0.05, 0.01, 0.001) inhibited the frequency of defecation as well as wetting of faeces when compared with the negative control. The methanol (Gt. MeOH) extract of G. trichophylla caused a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on spontaneous contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations and exhibited a partial inhibitory effect against high K^+?(80?mM) induced precontractions. Gt. MeOH shifted the Ca^2+?concentration–response curves (CRCs) to the right, suggesting calcium channel blocking like constituents. In an in vitro assay Gt. MeOH inhibited BChE enzyme with an IC₅₀ values of 35.52?±?1.17?μg/mL. The extract showed no toxicity in mice at the dose of 3?g/kg.

Discussion and conclusion: This study provides evidence that G. trichophylla possesses combinations of inhibitory and stimulatory effects mediated through possible cholinergic and less potent calcium blocking constituents, respectively. The latter may be responsible for the antidiarrheal effect.     

Antitussive and expectorant activities of Potentilla anserina

Context The root of Potentilla anserina L. (Rosaceae) is an herbal medicine that has been used as an antitussive and expectorant drug for thousands of years in Chinese folk medicine.

Objective: This study estimated the antitussive and expectorant effects of P. anserina extract to validate its traditional use.

Materials and methods The antitussive and expectorant activities of the ethanol extract, aqueous extract, and polysaccharides from P. anserina were evaluated using classical animal models.

Results The results showed that in three antitussive tests, the aqueous extract and polysaccharides at high and low doses significantly inhibited the frequency of cough induced by ammonia and sulfur dioxide in mice and by citric acid in guinea pigs, and increased the latent period of cough in guinea pigs. Similarly, the aqueous extract and polysaccharides also showed significant expectorant activity compared with the control in phenol red secretion experiments. Polysaccharides at dose of 600?mg/kg enhanced tracheal phenol red output by 121.1%, the ammonium chloride (positive control) at dose of 1000?mg/kg by 117.4%. However, the ethanol extract at a high dose (600?mg/kg) has antitussive activity only in the sulfur dioxide induced coughing test. Moreover, the polysaccharides at the same dose showed better bioactivity than the aqueous extract in all tests.

Discussion and conclusion The results of the present study provide evidence that P. anserina can be used as an antitussive and expectorant herbal medicine and that polysaccharides may be the main active ingredients of P. anserina responsible for its bioactivities.     

Relaxative effect of core licorice aqueous extract on mouse isolated uterine horns

Abstract

Context: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most frequent gynecological disorders in young women. Chinese herbal medicine has the advantage in terms of multi-targeting efficacy, lower toxicity, as well as lower cost. Core licorice is the hard and atropurpureus heart part in root and rootstock of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (Leguminosae), having a therapeutic effect on dysmenorrhea.

Objective: This experiment indicated the spasmolytic effect of core licorice aqueous extract (CLE) on spontaneous rhythmic contractions and spasmogen-provoked contractions of stilbestrol primed, estrogen-dominated, non-pregnant mouse isolated uterine horns and its spasmolytic mechanism.

Materials and methods: We investigated the spasmolytic effect of CLE (0.025–0.1?mg/mL) on spontaneous contractions and potassium chloride (KCl, 40?mM), acetylcholine (ACh, 5?μg/mL), carbachol (CCh, 5?μg/mL), oxytocin (OT, 2 U/L) or bradykinin (5?ng/mL)-provoked contractions of mouse isolated uterine horns. Contractions were recorded by tension force transducers using Biolap 420F software on a PC.

Results: Our present study showed that graded, escalated concentrations of CLE (0.025–0.1?mg/mL) significantly inhibited the amplitude of spontaneous phasic contractions (15.03–55.10%), as well as the contractions produced by KCl (40?mM; 20.16–53.99%), ACh (5?μg/mL; 14.65–48.32%), CCh (5?μg/mL; 38.40–76.70%), OT (2 U/L; 21.53–58.49%) or bradykinin (5?ng/mL; 58.01–79.44%) of the estrogen-dominated isolated mice uterine horn preparations in a concentration-related manner.

Discussion and conclusion: The spasmolytic effect of CLE observed in the present study lends pharmacological support to the traditional use of core licorice in the management, control and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.     

刺五加与山楂水提物不同比例混合对小鼠抗抑郁作用的实验研究

目的 研究刺五加与山楂水提物不同比例混合对小鼠的抗抑郁作用.方法 测定不同比例混合的刺五加与山楂水提物对小鼠行为绝望、旷场实验以及脑内单胺氧化酶(MAO)的影响.此外,通过腹腔注射利血平建立小鼠抑郁症模型,测定不同比例混合的刺五加与山楂水提物对利血平效应的影响.结果 刺五加与山楂水提物采用2:1的比例混合可明显对抗小鼠行为绝望,增多小鼠旷场实验水平得分以及垂直次数,显著降低小鼠脑内单胺氧化酶活性.明显拮抗利血平效应引起的小鼠眼睑下垂及体温下降.结论 刺五加与山楂水提物采用2:1的比例混合对抑郁症有明确的治疗作用.     

Antioxidant and antidiarrheal activities of ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits

Context: Ardisia elliptica Thunb Lam. (Myrsinaceae) is widely used traditionally in the treatment of diarrhea related health disorders in Bangladesh.

Objective: The crude ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits (EFA) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antidiarrhoeal activities.

Materials and methods: DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power and Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability were used for determining antioxidant activities and animal models were used for antidiarrheal activities such as the castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea, enteropooling induced by the administration of castor oil and magnesium sulfate at the doses of 250 and 500?mg/kg.

Results: The extract possessed a significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 30.75?μg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀: 7.89?μg/ml). The IC₅₀ values of the extract and ascorbic acid were 51.72 and 38.68?μg/ml, respectively, in nitric oxide scavenging assay. The IC₅₀ value of the extract for Fe⁺⁺ ion chelating ability (41.30?μg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC₅₀ value of EDTA (22.57?μg/ml). The EFA also showed a significant protection (p?Conclusion: Therefore, the obtained results confirm the antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity of EFA and thus support the traditional uses of this plant as a modality for antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity.     

Nootropic activity of Celastrus paniculatus seed

The effect of Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Celastraceae) seed aqueous extract on learning and memory was studied using elevated plus maze and passive avoidance test (sodium nitrite induced amnesia rodent model). The aqueous seed extract was administered orally in two different doses to rats (350 and 1050?mg/kg) and to mice (500 and 1500?mg/kg). The results were compared to piracetam (100?mg/kg, p.o.) used as a standard drug. Chemical hypoxia was induced by subcutaneous administration of sodium nitrite (35?mg/kg), immediately after acquisition training. In elevated plus maze and sodium nitrite-induced amnesia model, Celastrus paniculatus extract has showed statistically significant improvement in memory process when compared to control. The estimation of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in rat brain supports the plus maze and passive avoidance test by reducing acetylcholinesterase activity which helps in memory performance. The study reveals that the aqueous extract of Celastrus paniculatus seed has dose-dependent cholinergic activity, thereby improving memory performance. The mechanism by which Celastrus paniculatus enhances cognition may be due to increased acetylcholine level in rat brain.     

Antispasmodic and bronchorelaxant activities of Salsola imbricata are mediated through dual Ca+2 antagonistic and β-adrenergic agonistic effects

Context: Salsola imbricata Forssk. (Chenopodiaceae) has folkloric repute for the treatment of various gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments.

Objective: The present study investigates spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant effects of S. imbricata.

Materials and methods: The crude aqueous-ethanol extract of the aerial parts of S. imbricata and its fractions, in cumulative concentrations (0.01–10?mg/mL), were tested on contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum and tracheal preparations. Furthermore, concentration response curves (CRCs) of Ca⁺² and carbachol were constructed in the absence and presence of the extract. Standard organ bath methods were used.

Results: The crude extract relaxed spontaneous, K^+?(80?mM) and carbachol (1?μM)-induced contractions in jejunum preparations with respective EC₅₀ values of 0.40 (0.35–0.46), 0.69 (0.60–0.79) and 0.66 (0.57–0.75) mg/mL. It shifted Ca⁺² CRCs rightward in nonparallel manner. In isolated tracheal preparations, the crude extract caused relaxation of K^+?(80?mM) and carbachol (1?μM)-induced contractions with EC₅₀ values of 0.86 (0.75–0.98) and 0.74 (0.66–0.84) mg/mL, respectively. It displaced carbachol CRCs rightward with suppression of maximal response. In both tissues, pretreatment with propranolol (1?μM) caused rightward shift in inhibitory CRCs of the extract against carbachol-induced contractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was found more potent in relaxing smooth muscle contractions than the parent extract and its aqueous fraction.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that the spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant activities of S. imbricata are related to Ca⁺² antagonistic and β-adrenergic agonistic effects, thus justifying some of the traditional uses of the plant.     

Analgesic Activity of Dalbergia lanceolaria. Bark Extract in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

The ethanol extract of Dalbergia lanceolaria. Linn. bark was subjected to pharmacological screening using various animal models. The extract showed analgesic activity when tested in acetic acid–induced writhing, tail-flick response, and formalin-induced licking tests in Swiss albino mice. The plant extract, at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, showed significant central as well as peripheral analgesic activity by oral route. Therefore, the current study indicates that the ethanol extract of Dalbergia lanceolaria. bark has significant central and peripheral analgesic activity.     

Spasmolytic effect of Alternanthera repens on isolated rat ileum

Context: Alternanthera repens (L.) Kuntze (Amaranthaceae) is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders that are mainly related to diarrhea.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the spasmolytic effect of hexane (Hx), methanol (Me) and aqueous (Aq) extracts as well as chromatographic Me fractions (F1–F6) of A. repens in rat ileum.

Materials and methods: Dried and powdered aerial parts were used to obtain the extracts. The rat ileum preparations were incubated in Tyrode’s solution gassed (95% O₂–5% CO₂) at 37?°C. The effect on the contractile response of isolated ileum was evaluated by obtaining cumulative concentration–response curves to CaCl₂, KCl, 5-HT and acetylcholine in the absence and presence of different doses of Aq (0.56–2.09?mg/mL), Me (0.24–0.91?mg/mL) and Hx (0.24–0.91?mg/mL) extracts, as well as six Me fractions of 0.66?mg/mL (F1 to F6).

Results: The A. repens Me (0.24?mg/mL) caused an inhibitory response of the Ca²⁺-induced contractions, with IC₅₀ values of 0.18?±?0.061 and 0.67?±?0.061?mM in the presence and absence of the Me, respectively. Me fractions F2 to F4 presented a significant inhibitory effect (F_(3,8)?=?60.17, p?=?0.0001), causing a reduction in the CaCl₂-induced contractions and shifting the Ca²⁺ (0.39 to 1.81?mM) concentration–response curves to the right. With respect to the effect on 5-HT-induced contractions, IC₅₀ values Hx extract (0.24?mg/mL) were 5.44?±?0.08?×?10^?6?M and 3.38?±?0.07?×?10^?6?M in the presence and absence of the Hx, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion: The spasmolytic effects induced by Me and Me fractions of A. repens may involve a serotonergic and Ca²⁺ influx blockade mechanisms, which may justify the use of A. repens extracts as an effective traditional treatment against diarrhea.