Studies on antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of Operculina turpethum Linn

Abstract

BackgroundTraditionally, Operculina turpethum has been used in a wide range of ailments such as, gastrointestinal disturbances and asthma. It is found in China, South Asia, Pacific Islands, and Australia. This study was aimed to provide a possible pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of O. turpethum in gut and airways disorders.MethodsCastor oil-induced diarrhoeal mice model and isolated tissue preparations such as, rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig tracheal preparations were used to test the antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator effects and the possible mode of action(s) of the 70% aqueous-ethanolic extract of O. turpethum black variety (OTB).ResultsIn the castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice, the crude extract of OTB caused a dose-dependent (300–1000 mg/kg) protection from diarrhoea, similar to that of loperamide. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, OTB produced a dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous and high K+(80 mM)-induced contractions with resultant median effective concentrations (EC50 with 95% confidence interval) of 1.04 mg/ml (0.59-1.54) and 0.12 mg/ml (0.10-0.15; n = 4) respectively, thus showing more potency against K+. Pretreatment of the tissue with OTB (0.01 and 0.03 mg/ml) caused a rightward shift in the concentration response curves of Ca++, similar to that of verapamil. In isolated guinea-pig tracheal preparations, OTB caused inhibition of carbachol and high K+-induced constriction at similar concentrations with respective EC50 value of 0.66 mg/ml (0.53-0.82) and 0.59 mg/ml (0.45-0.62). Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction was more potent than the parent crude extract and hexane fraction.ConclusionThese results suggest that the crude extract of O. turpethum possesses antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities, mediated possibly through the presence of Ca++ antagonist like constituent(s), though additional mechanism(s) cannot be ruled out. Thus, this study provides the evidence for the medicinal use of plant in diarrhoea and asthma.

Analgesic and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of Operculina turpethum leaves in mice

“…In folkloric medicine, its roots, stems, and leaves are used in wide range of ailments including gastrointestinal disorders, anemia, asthma, obesity, paralysis, and pain. [12][13][14] Previous reports have shown that O. turpethum possesses hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. 13,15,16 This study was aimed at the evaluation of the analgesic and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extract of O. turpethum in mice.…”

Assessment of the laxative activity of an ethanolic extract of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. shoot

“…A number of physiological entities, such as acetylcholine, histamine, substance P, cholecystokinins, prostaglandins and 5-hydroxytryptamine have been proposed as mediators of this action. Release of these chemical mediators within the gut is known to increase cytosolic calcium, which in turn stimulates intestinal propulsion (Rehman et al, 2012;Shareef et al, 2014). The presence of phyto-constituents such as flavonol, phenolics and alkaloids are also reported to be responsible for laxative activities found in various plants (Longanga Otshudi et al, 2000;Yang et al, 2008).…”

Pharmacological Evaluation of Gut Modulatory and Bronchodilator Activities of Achyranthes aspera Linn.

“…Administration of Aa.Cr at higher doses of 30, 100, 300, and 700 mg/kg caused protection against experimentally induced diarrhea in mice, similar to the standard antidiarrheal drug, loperamide. Mice are commonly used to study gastrointestinal effects of experimental drugs in vivo (Shareef et al ., )…”

“…Rats, anesthetized with sodium thiopental (Pentothal, 80–100 mg/kg, i.p. ), underwent endotracheal intubation followed by ventilation with a volume ventilator (miniature ideal pump, Bioscience, UK) adjusted at a rate of 70–80 strokes/min to deliver 7–10 ml/kg of room air (Shareef et al ., ). A polyethylene catheter was inserted into the jugular vein for drug administration.…”