Effect of isoorientin isolated from Arum palaestinum on uterine smooth muscle of rats and guinea pigs

The phytochemical investigation of Arum palaestinum resulted in the isolati on of two flavone C-glucosides, namely isoorientin (luteolin 6-C-glucoside) and vitexin (apigenin 8-C glucoside). The effects of isoorientin on rat is olated aorta, ileum, trachea and uterus and on guinea-pig uterus were studi ed. Isoorientin (10(-7)M-6 x 10(-4)M) caused concentration-dependent inhibi tion of the amplitude and the frequency of the phasic contractions of the r at and guinea-pig uterus but did not affect the isolated aorta, ileum or tr achea. The results were discussed in relation to the effects of its aglycon e luteolin reported in the literature. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.