Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Zanthoxylum armatum in gut, airways and cardiovascular disorders

Abstract

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(++) antagonist effect, which was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissues with Za.Cr shifted Ca(++) concentration-response curves to the right, like that caused by verapamil. Za.Cr inhibited the castor-oil-induced diarrhea in mice at 300-1000 mg/kg. In rabbit tracheal preparations, Za.Cr relaxed the carbachol (1 microM) and high K(+)-induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of verapamil. In isolated rabbit aortic rings, Za.Cr exhibited vasodilator effect against phenylephrine (1 microM) and K(+)-induced contractions. When tested in guinea pig atria, Za.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions, like that caused by verapamil. These results indicate that Zanthoxylum armatum exhibits spasmolytic effects, mediated possibly through Ca(++) antagonist mechanism, which provides pharmacological base for its medicinal use in the gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of cardamom in asthma

“…High K + and carbachol are known to cause smooth muscle contractions through opening of L-type Ca ++ channel and stimulation of muscarinic receptors respectively, eventually leading to an increase in the intracellular Ca ++ level, resulting in airways constriction . The inhibitory effect of crude extract of cardamom against the two spasmogens, indicates nonspecific tracheao-relaxant effect, mediated through Ca ++ channel blocker-like mechanism (Gilani et al, 2010). Ca ++ antagonists are known to be effective in asthma (Ann Twiss et al, 2002) and the presence of such activity, as observed in this study may explain the medicinal use of cardamom in such disorder of airways hyperactivity.…”

“…Then sustained contractions of the agonists, carbachol (1 µM) and/or K + (80 mM) were obtained and tracheorelaxant effect of the test material was assessed by adding in a cumulative fashion. Carbachol is a cholinergic agonist, known to cause bronchoconstriction via stimulation of muscarinic receptors (Gilani et al, 2010). High K + (> 30 mM) is known to cause smooth muscle contractions through opening of voltagedependent L-type Ca ++ channels, thus allowing influx of extracellular Ca ++ causing a contractile effect and the substance causing inhibition of high K + -induced contraction is considered as inhibitor of Ca ++ influx (Godfraind et al, 1986).…”

Antispasmodic, bronchodilator, vasorelaxant and cardiosuppressant effects of Buxus papillosa

“…Spontaneous contractions are exhibited in such environment, thereby providing an opportunity to directly check the spasmolytic effect, without prior applying of agonist [34]. Depolarization of jejunal preparations was done by high K + (80 mM), so that Ca ++ channel blockade (CCB) activity can be determined according to procedure of Gilani et al [35]. After sustained contractions produced by high K + in jejunal tissue, test substance was applied for producing inhibitory effect.…”

Natural Products Useful in Respiratory Disorders: Focus on Side-Effect Neutralizing Combinations

“…Clinical study: Asthmatic patients Improved expiratory flow volume Fu, 1989 Zanthoxylum armatum DC In vitro study: Carbachol and K + precontracted rabbit-isolated trachea Bronchodilation Gilani et al, 2010 Vitex negun L. Ghayur and Gilani, 2006b Clinical study: Asthmatic patients Antiasthmatic…”