Ks. Gamaniel et Pa. Akah, ANALYSIS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL RELAXING EFFECT OF THE STEM EXTRACT OF GONGRONEMA-LATIFOLIUM, Phytomedicine, 2(4), 1996, pp. 293-296
Aqueous extract of the stem of Gongronema latifolium was screened for
effects on the gastrointestinal tract of rats and mice. On the isolate
d rat intestine, the extract (5-80 mu g) evoked reproducible and conce
ntration-related relaxation which were attenuated by yohimbine and phe
noxybenzamine. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the extract in
mice significantly reduced small intestinal transit dose-dependently.
This effect was also attenuated by yohimbine and phenoxybenzamine, bu
t not prazosin and propranolol. Phytochemical analysis revealed the pr
esence of some bioactive constituents, while the i.p. LD(50) value of
the extract in mice was established as 1678.63 +/- 78 mg/kg. The resul
ts suggest the involvement of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the effect
of the extract on the intestinal function.