PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE DICHLOROMETHANOL EXTRACT FROM INULA-CRITHMOIDES L

The pharmacological effect of the dichloromethanol extract of Inula cr ithmoides L. was analysed in in vitro and in vivo models. The extract dose-dependently decreased arterial blood pressure and furthermore it showed low acute toxicity, CNS depressor activity and analgesic and an tiinflammatory effects. Preincubation of the guineapig ileum and rat d uodenum (100 mu g/mL) produced a significant reduction in the contract ile effects of histamine and acetylcholine and a concentration-related inhibition of the effects of serotonin. Following further fractionati on the methylene chloride/acetone (50/50) fraction caused a significan t decrease Tn motor activity and significantly reduced the threshold o f pain chemical stimulus.