Abstract
<p class="Abstract">This study was aimed to explore the pharmacological basis of potential medicinal use of <em>Elaeagnus umbellata</em> in gut disorders. Crude extract of <em>E. umbellata</em>, which was found positive for flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins, provided 9.9-71.9% protection in castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice, like verapamil. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, crude extract caused inhibition of spontaneous and high K<sup>+</sup>-induced contractions, with respective EC<sub>50</sub> values of 0.3 (0.1-0.5) and 0.5 mg/mL, suggesting Ca<sup>++</sup> channel blockade (CCB). Pretreatment of tissue with crude extract (0.1–1 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in Ca<sup>++</sup> concentration-response curves. With the exception of aqueous fraction, <em>n</em>-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate inhibited spontaneous and high K<sup>+</sup>-induced contractions and displaced rightward Ca<sup>++</sup> concentration-response curves. Extract was found safe up to 10 mg/kg in mice. Our data shows that anti-diarrheal effect of crude extract of <em>E. umbellate</em> is due to CCB-mediated spasmolytic effect, concentrated in the ethyl acetate fraction and suggests its medicinal importance in diarrhea and spasm.</p><p><strong>Video Clip</strong></p><p><a href="https://youtube.com/v/Qo_y3ULC4E0">Isolation of rat jejunum</a>: 2 min 32 sec </p>
Highlights
Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb (Autum olive, family; Elaeagnaceae) is a wild shrub abundant in northern areas of Pakistan (Hussain, 2011)
Crude extract from the fruit of E. umbellata inhibited significantly (p
Crude extract of E. umbellata inhibited isolated rabbit jejunum spontaneous contractions, similar to that observed with verapamil (Figure 1)
Summary
Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb (Autum olive, family; Elaeagnaceae) is a wild shrub abundant in northern areas of Pakistan (Hussain, 2011). Flowers and seeds of E. umbellata are used for medicinal purposes (Ahmad et al, 2005). Medicinal uses have been reported for various species of Elaeagnaceae; fruit of E. phillipinus have been used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, flatulence, nausea and vomiting (Mohammed et al, 2006). Fruits of E. aungustifolia found useful in diarrhea and dysentery (Mohammed et al, 2006). In Chinese traditional medicine, fruits of E. multiflora are useful in itch, diarrhea, foul sours, cough and cancer (Lee et al, 2007). Medicinal reputation of E. umbellata in hyperactive gut disorders, such as diarrhea and spasm is lacking
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