Antispasmodic and Antidiarrheal Activities ofValeriana hardwickiiWall. Rhizome Are Putatively Mediated through Calcium Channel Blockade

Raafia Memon,Samra Bashir,Anwar H Gilani

doi:10.1155/2011/304960

Abstract

Valeriana hardwickii is indigenous to Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, where it is traditionally being used as an antispasmodic and antidiarrheal, besides its culinary use as spice. The aim of this paper was to provide pharmacological validation to these medicinal uses. The crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Valeriana hardwickii rhizome (Vh.Cr) was studied on isolated rabbit jejunum and castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice for spasmolytic and antidiarrheal properties, respectively. Vh.Cr caused concentration-dependent (0.01–1 mg/mL) relaxation of spontaneous contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum and inhibited K+-induced contractions (0.01–0.3 mg/mL), similar to verapamil, suggestive of calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB effect was confirmed when pretreatment of the jejunum preparations with Vh.Cr produced a concentration-dependent (0.03–0.1 mg/mL) rightward shift in the Ca++ concentration-response curves, as caused by verapamil. Vh.Cr exhibited dose-dependent (100–300 mg/kg) protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice. Loperamide, a standard antidiarrheal drug, similarly prevented the diarrhea. These data indicate the presence of CCB effect in the extract of Valeriana hardwickii rhizome, possibly mediating its antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities and provide a scientific base for its traditional use in hyperactive gut disorders.

Highlights

Gastrointestinal diseases constipation and diarrhea are affecting 70% of the population worldwide [1]
We report the presence of spasmolytic and antidiarrheal activities in Valeriana hardwickii, mediated possibly through calcium antagonistic mechanism, which may explain the traditional use of the plant in abdominal cramps and diarrhea
The aqueous-methanolic extract of Valeriana hardwickii rhizome caused inhibition when tested on spontaneously contracting rabbit jejunum preparations, showing spasmolytic action

Summary

Introduction

Gastrointestinal diseases constipation and diarrhea are affecting 70% of the population worldwide [1]. Medicinal plants are usually preferred to treat gastrointestinal disorders, for example, constipation and diarrhea, because they contain multiple constituents with effect-enhancing and/or side effect-neutralizing potential [3], and, are considered relatively safe in prolonged use. Valerian is indigenously used as a spice as well as medicine [6]. It is considered useful as a diaphoretic, antiperiodic, stimulant, cephalic tonic, antiepileptic, antihelmenthic, sedative, diuretic, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, deobstruent, spasmolytic and antidiarrheal. The vertical rhizome and attached roots of valerian are the parts used medicinally [7]

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