Antispasmodic, Analgesic, and Sedative Effects of Mormodica involucrata. Aqueous Extract in Rodents

Abstract

Mormodica involucrata. E. Mey. ex Sond (Curcubitaceae; balsamina) is used in Swaziland traditional medicine for treating diabetes, intestinal disorders, and also for culinary purposes. At concentrations of 150 and 300 mg/mL, the extract significantly inhibited acetylcholine-induced contractions of the rat stomach strip (RSS) by 15 ± 1.0% and 25 ± 1.5%, respectively (p < 0.05, n = 6). The action of the extract was reversed by mevinphos 10−9 M, an organophosphate anticholinesterase, and potentiated acetylcholine-induced contractile effects on RSS. In the analgesic study, the extract at 55–75 mg/kg inhibited acetic acid–induced writhing and induced sleep in mice, and higher concentrations of the extract in the range 350–480 mg/kg caused death within 1 h of i.p. administration in 20% and 100%, respectively (p < 0.05, n = 10 per treatment). These results show that M. involucrate. possesses antispasmodic, analgesic, and sedative effects in rodents.