Abstract

ANTI-SPASMODIC EFFECT OF ERYTHRINA VARIEGATA LEAVES ON ISOLATED CHICKEN ILEUM BY AN IN VITRO ASSAY METHOD

Sathya B.*, Manikandan K., Praveen M., Punithavathi I. and Suriya Prakash S.

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Abstract

Objective of the study was to investigate the spasmolytic effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of Erythrina variegata on segments of chicken ileum preparation. The leaves extract was prepared by employing simple maceration technique using ethanol as menstrum. The graded doses of acetylcholine were utilized to trigger the contractile responses and atropine, the standard anti-spasmodic agent was used as an antagonist to control the intestinal contractions. The dose response curve of acetylcholine was recorded on kymograph paper in presence and absence of Erythrina variegata extract, accordingly. Adding the extract diminished the tone of an isolated intestinal muscle preparation induced by acetylcholine, the activity nearer to that of the standard cholinolytic drug, atropine. This inhibitory effect of Erythrina variegata against acetylcholine, a spasmogen, was absolutely reversible and dose dependent. The action may be due to the blockade of muscarnic action of acetylcholine by the extract on smooth muscles. The results thus revealed the promising antispasmodic potential of Erythrina variegata leaves.

Keywords: Acetylcholine, Atropine, Anti-spasmodic, Chicken ileum, Erythrina variegata.