Abstract
BackgroundCurcuma extract exerts a myorelaxant effect on the mouse intestine. In view of a possible use of curcuma extract in motor functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, a safety profile study has been carried out in the mouse.MethodsThirty mice were used to study the in vitro effect of curcuma on gallbladder, bladder, aorta and trachea smooth muscular layers and hearth inotropic and chronotropic activity. The myorelaxant effect on the intestine was also thoroughly investigated. Moreover, curcuma extract (200 mg/Kg/day) was orally administered to twenty mice over 28 days and serum liver and lipids parameters were evaluated. Serum, bile and liver bile acids qualitative and quantitative composition was were also studied.ResultsIn the intestine, curcuma extract appeared as a not competitive inhibitor through cholinergic, histaminergic and serotoninergic receptors and showed spasmolytic effect on K+ induced contraction at the level of L type calcium channels. No side effect was observed on bladder, aorta, trachea and heart when we used a dose that is effective on the intestine. An increase in gallbladder tone and contraction was observed. Serum liver and lipids parameters were normal, while a slight increase in serum and liver bile acids concentration and a decrease in bile were observed.ConclusionsAlthough these data are consistent with the safety of curcuma extract as far as its effect on the smooth muscular layers of different organs and on the heart, the mild cholestatic effect observed in absence of alteration of liver function tests must be further evaluated and the effective dose with minimal side effects considered.
Highlights
In a previous paper [1] we have demonstrated that Curcuma longa L. extract exerts a myorelaxant effect on the ileum and colon of a mouse model of Sodium Dextran Sulphate induced colitis
In a previous paper we have suggested the use of Curcuma Longa extract as a therapeutical tool in diarrhea, due to its myorelaxant effect towards the intestinal muscle
Some herbal preparations are used as a therapeutical means in irritable bowel disease, both in the constipation and in the diarrhea feature [51]
Summary
In a previous paper [1] we have demonstrated that Curcuma longa L. extract exerts a myorelaxant effect on the ileum and colon of a mouse model of Sodium Dextran Sulphate induced colitis. The inhibitory activity of Curcuma towards basal and stimulated intestinal motility, associated with its spasmolytic and antispastic efficacy prompted us to propose the use of Curcuma Longa L. extract in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract functional disorders such as Irritable. The wide range of potential therapeutical clinical applications and the possible use in intestine functional motor disturbances prompted the present investigation to focus on the safety of this natural substance. Conclusions: these data are consistent with the safety of curcuma extract as far as its effect on the smooth muscular layers of different organs and on the heart, the mild cholestatic effect observed in absence of alteration of liver function tests must be further evaluated and the effective dose with minimal side effects considered
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