Abstract:
Background: Spasms of the gut underlie hyperactive gut disorders.
These conditions are highly prevalent and impart greater health care
cost. Herbal antispasmodic remedies form a source of affordable,
safe and easily available treatments in low resource areas. There is,
therefore, a need to scientifically evaluate the therapeutic potential
of these remedies. This study investigated the antispasmodic effect
of aqueous root bark extract of Carissa edulis, herb used to manage
hyperactive gut disorders such as abdominal colic and diarrhea.
Materials and methods: Pieces of jejunum were isolated from adult
New Zealand White rabbits. They were mounted in an organ bath
containing Tyrode’s solution. The rate and force of contraction were
recorded using Powerlab coupled to Chart5 Software. The effects of
the extract (0.1-10.0 mg/ml) on spontaneous jejunal contraction were
investigated. The effect of 1.0 and 3.0 mg/ml extract was investigated
on acetylcholine, KCl and CaCl2
induced contraction.
Results: Carissa edulis extract dose-dependently (0.1-10 mg/ml)
significantly decreased the force but not the rate of spontaneous
jejunal contraction. Extract (1 and 3 mg/) significantly decreased the
magnitude of acetylcholine, KCl and CaCl2
induced contraction.
Conclusions: Aqueous root bark extracts of Carissa edulis possess a
significant antispasmodic effect on rabbit jejunum. This appears to be
through calcium channel blockade. These results validate its use as a
remedy for hyperactive gut disorders
