ANTISPASMODIC PROPERTY OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ARISTOLOCHIA-ALBIDA DUCH

The antispasmodic property of the underground parts of Aristolochia al bida Duch (family:Aristolochiaceae) was evaluated. The evidence was pr ovided by the aqueous extract of the plant's rhizome which exhibited s ignificant relaxation of the spontaneous pendular contraction of isola ted rabbit duodenum. The extract at moderate doses abolished acetylcho line (Ach), histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced contracti ons on isolated rabbit duodenum and guinea-pig ileum. The effects of t he extract mimicked antagonists (atropine, mepyramine and methysergide ). Therefore, the extract evoked its antispasmodic actions by antagoni sm via muscarinic, histaminic and 5-HT receptors. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.