Spasmolytic Effect of Grewia asiatica Fruit Extract on Isolated Smooth Muscles is Mediated via Multiple Pathways.

Muhammad Nabeel Ghayur,Saeed Ahmad,Anwarul Hassan Gilani,Walter Antonio Roman Junior

doi:10.1155/2021/5583372

Abstract

BackgroundGrewia asiatica Linn, or phalsa, is a commonly consumed fruit in Pakistan. The fruit is employed in the traditional medicine practice of Pakistan as a smooth muscle relaxant in different gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular diseases. In this investigation, we show the antispasmodic and vasorelaxant actions of Grewia asiatica fruit extract. Methods A 70% methanolic crude extract of the plant material was prepared (Ga.Cr). Different isolated GI tissue preparations and endothelium-intact aortas from rats were utilized to observe the pharmacological actions of the extract. Results Ga.Cr, in increasing concentrations, inhibited the spontaneously contracting rabbit jejunum. In an effort to determine the mechanism of this relaxant action, contractions were induced in jejunum and ileum tissues with K+ (80 mM). Ga.Cr was able to only partially inhibit these induced contractions indicating that the mechanism might not be completely through a blockade of Ca2+ channels (CCB). When tested on low K+-(25 mM) sustained contractions, Ga.Cr cumulatively suppressed these contractions (0.1–10 mg/ml), indicating an opening of K+ channels (KCO) as the mechanism. Cromakalim, a standard KCO, was also more specific in blocking low K+-induced contractions. For the effect in aorta tissues, Ga.Cr suppressed the agonist-induced contractions from 0.3 mg/ml to 10 mg/ml. Upon challenge with L-NAME, a nitric oxide (NO) blocker, the extract response curve shifted right, indicating vasodilation was mediated via endothelial NO. Conclusion This study shows that GI antispasmodic and vasodilator activities of Ga.Cr may be mediated via a KCO mechanism in the GI tract and through the release of NO from vascular endothelium.

Highlights

IntroductionGrewia asiatica Linn (family Tiliaceae) is a plant commonly known and cultivated in South Asia
Grewia asiatica Linn is a plant commonly known and cultivated in South Asia
Our results showed that a 70% aqueous methanolic crude extract of phalsa fruit concentration-dependently relaxed the spontaneous contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum tissues (Figure 1). e rabbit jejunum contracts in a spontaneous manner when stabilized and immersed in a physiologic salt solution under a controlled environment. is makes it useful in testing for potential GI spasmolytic agents [16, 22]. e crude extract was tested on ileal preparations

Summary

Introduction

Grewia asiatica Linn (family Tiliaceae) is a plant commonly known and cultivated in South Asia. It is known by the common name of phalsa in Hindi and Urdu. E fruit is employed in the traditional medicine practice of Pakistan as a smooth muscle relaxant in different gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular diseases. In this investigation, we show the antispasmodic and vasorelaxant actions of Grewia asiatica fruit extract. Conclusion. is study shows that GI antispasmodic and vasodilator activities of Ga.Cr may be mediated via a KCO mechanism in the GI tract and through the release of NO from vascular endothelium

Methods

Results

Conclusion