SPASMOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF CISSAMPELOUS-MUCRONATA LEAF EXTRACT

The aqueous leaf extract of Cissampelous mucronata (Menispermaceae) wa s studied for spasmolytic properties. The extract inhibited the respon ses of histamine, acetylcholine and nicotine on the guinea-pig ileum i n a dose-related manner. The extract completely abolished the spontane ous pendular movement of the rabbit Jejunum reversibly, and decreased gastrointestinal motility in mice. It did not modify the effect of Ca2 + on the guinea-pig ileum. Acute toxicity tests in mice established th e i.p. LD(50) value of the extract to be 1698.24+/-77 mg/kg.