Preliminary pharmacological investigation of the ischuretic property and safety of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Amaranthus spinosis (Fam: Amaranthaceae)

Abstract

Background: Ischuria is a health and social problem, having a negative impact on sufferers. This study therefore was a preliminary investigation of the ischuretic property and safety for use of a hydro-ethanolic extract of <i>Amaranthus spinosus</i> used traditionally in managing ischuria. Methods: Phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography were performed on the extract to establish fingerprints for identification. Acetylcholine, Nicotine, and the extract were applied to an isolated rat urinary bladder to ascertain contractile response. The possible receptor site(s) of action was also investigated using isolated rabbit jejunum, and guinea-pig ileum preparations. In-house observation, hematological analysis, and liver and kidney function tests were performed on Sprague-Dawley rats, in acute and sub-acute toxicity studies. Results: The extract had contractile effects on the rat urinary bladder (similar to acetylcholine and nicotine) and rabbit jejunum. Its contractile effect of the guinea-pig ileum was significantly inhibited by hexamethonium (77.50 &#177; 8.50 %; P &#8804; 0.001) and to a lesser extent by mepyramine (49.2 &#177; 6.80 %; P &#8804; 0.001) and Atropine (22.45 &#177; 5.22 %; P &#8804; 0.01). The extract (80-800 mg kg-1) was not lethal and a 160 and 240 mg kg-1 dose had no adverse effect on blood, liver, kidney metabolic function. Conclusions: The hydro-ethanolic extract of <i>Amaranthus spinosus</i> has ischuretic activity possibly mediated via nicotinic, histaminic and muscarinic receptor stimulation and is safety to use in ischuria. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(5.000): 517-527

Rediscovering the therapeutic potential of Amaranthus species: A review

“…The aqueous-methanolic crude extract of A. spinosus was studied in vivo in mice and in vitro using isolated tissue preparations and Amaranth (A. cruentus) Seeds Isolated peptide NIH-3T3 cell line Anti-cancer [52] was validated to possess laxative, spasmolytic and bronchodilator properties [89] (Table 2). According to Koffuor et al [90], hydroethanolic extract of A. spinosus had contractile effect on rat urinary bladder (similar to acetylcholine and nicotine) and rabbit jejunum, possibly mediated via nicotinic, histaminic and muscarinic receptor stimulation. The extract was not lethal and a 240 mg/kg dose had no adverse effect on blood, liver and kidney metabolic function; thus being safe for use in ischuria.…”

Survey of fungal diseases associated with amaranth (Amaranthus species) in peri-urban vegetable farms in Kumasi and Tamale metropolis of Ghana

“…Email: zipak1@yahoo.com Author(s) agree that this article remain permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License Source: Study amaranth is regarded significantly higher than several protein foods such as milk and soya bean and is therefore used as an important dietary supplement for HIV/AIDS patients in some African countries (Alemayehu et al, 2015). In addition, Amaranthus species has medicinal properties against constipation, fevers, hemorrhage, anaemia, kidney aliments and worms (Mensah et al, 2008;Koffuor et al, 2013) In Ghana, the crop is called "Aleefu" and commonly found in the Savannah, Deciduous and Forest agro-ecological zones (Dari et al, 2015). The crop plays significant role in the food security and income generation for farmers in both urban and rural settings.…”

Antioxidant and Anti-ulcer Activities of Fermented soybean (Natto) and Moringa oleifera leaves in Male Albino Rats

“…Peptic ulcer is a disease characterized by mucosal damage that usually occurs in the stomach and proximal duodenum (Koffuor et al, 2013). It is a serious infection that occurs as a result of eating spicy food, stress, alcohol, stomach surgery, and Helicobacter pylor i (Bae et al, 2011).…”