This study describes the gut, airways and cardiovascular modulatory activities of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (Rutaceae) to rationalize some of its medicinal uses. The crude extract of Zanthoxylum armatum (Za.Cr) caused concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous and high K(+) (80 mM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum, being more effective against K(+) and suggestive of Ca(++) a...

Valeriana hardwickii is indigenous to Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, where it is traditionally being used as an antispasmodic and antidiarrheal, besides its culinary use as spice. The aim of this paper was to provide pharmacological validation to these medicinal uses. The crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Valeriana hardwickii rhizome (Vh.Cr) was studied on isolated rabbit jejunum and castor oil-...

Agelanthus dodoneifolius DC Danser (Loranthaceae) is used for the treatment of various diseases including asthma. The aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant activities. The present study investigates the effects of the aqueous decoction and the diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and butanolic fractions of Agelanthus dodoneifol...

Benzoyltryptamine analogues act as neuroprotective and spasmolytic agents on smooth muscles. In this study, we investigated the ability of N-salicyloyltryptamine (STP) to produce vasorelaxation and determined its underlying mechanisms of action. Isolated rat mesenteric arteries with and without functional endothelium were studied in an isometric contraction system in the presence or absence of ...

Liquorice has been used in medicine for many years, originally as a sweetening agent, but its efficacy was not fully realized until Revers (1946, 1958) found that peptic ulcers healed rapidly with its extract. However, oedema, heartburn, congestive cardiac failure, and headaches were commonly encountered as side effects of the crude extract. Molhuysen, Gerbrandy, de Vries, de Jong, Renstia, Tur...

BACKGROUND Punica granatum Linn. (PG) is native to the Mediterranean region. Its flower exhibited antioxidant activity. The present study attempt to investigate the effect of these extract on uterine contraction and its possible mechanism(s). METHODS Thirty five female Wistar rats (200-300 g) at estrous phases of cycle was examined in this study; pieces of virgin adult rat uterus (1.5 cm) wer...

This study describes the chemical composition of the essential oil of Artemisia maritima (Am.Oil) and the pharmacological basis for its medicinal use in gut and airways disorders. Twenty five compounds, composing 93.7% of the oil, were identified; among these, chrysanthenyl propionate and elixene were identified for the first time from any Artemisia species. The Am.Oil (0.3-1.0 mg/mL) suppresse...

UNLABELLED Domperidone (dopamine antagonist), metoclopramide and clebopride (both dopamine antagonists and stimulators of the intramural cholinergic system), and trimebutine (spasmolytic) are used in the treatment of digestive disorders such as dyspepsia or gastritis. Our aim was to compare the effects of these compounds on the isolated intact gastroduodenal preparation of the guinea pig. Dompe...