Effects of Steganotaenia Araliacae Root Extract on Contractile Function of Isolated Rat Ileum

Abstract

Background: Various parts of a small tree, Steganotaenia araliacaeare used as medicine in local traditional settings in Zambia to initiate and augment parturition although very little is documented about its physiological and pharmacological effects. Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract has been observed to cause contractions of uterus in rats but its effect on non-uterine muscle is unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the contractile effect of Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract on isolated rat ileum smooth muscle.Method: Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Abdominal incisions were made to expose and dissect three ileum segments from each rat. The ileum segments were immediately transferred and mounted in the organ bath containing Tyrode solution. The contractile effects of acetylcholine (a reference agonist) and Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract on ileum segments were investigated starting with the least effective doses, thereafter doubling the doses until maximal tissue response was observed. Antagonists that include atropine, indomethacin, mepyramine, ondansetron and nifedipine in the presence and absence of Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract were also investigated to establish the mechanism of actionResults: Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract increased the contractile force of isolated rat ileum in a dose-response manner but had no significant effects on the frequency of the spontaneous contractions. Pre-treating the tissue with atropine, indomethacin, mepyramine or ondansetron did not inhibit the contractile force of Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract, while pre-treating the tissue with nifedipine inhibited its contractile force by 100% (p<0.05)Conclusion: The cold root extract of Steganotaenia araliacae induced contractions on isolated rat ileum smooth muscle in a dose response manner by probable activation of calcium channels. It is possible that SAEᶜif used in high doses may cause severe abdominal cramps an effect that needs to be noted as it is being used in parturition.