The Effect of Plantain Active Ingredient Aucubin on Isolated Rat Smooth Muscle Tissue and Primary Cell Lines

Abstract

This study aims to assess the pharmacodynamics of aucubin, the active ingredient in plantain (Plantago), on in vitro rat bladder and trachea tissues, and explore its cell protective effects on primary lung and kidney cell lines. The study was carried out via repeated applications of acetylcholine, atropine, verapamil and oxybutynin, alongside Ca++ in a calcium-free environment, on urinary bladder tissue, and repeated applications of acetylcholine, atropine, carbachol and mecamylamine on trachea tissue. At the same time, cell viability and catalase and superoxide dismutase activity was measured on primary cell lines. The results indicate that aucubin has a relaxant effect on urinary bladder and trachea tissues. It is conceived that aucubin acts as a cholinergic antagonist through different subreceptors (muscarinic-3 receptors). The results also indicate that aucubin has a dose-dependent effect on primary lung and kidney cell lines, with increased cell viability, reduced cytotoxicity and antioxidant effects. In conclusion, it is suggested that plantain, which is used in folk medicine, and its active ingredient aucubin might have beneficial effects on bronchoconstriction and other respiratory conditions, as well as on pulmonary and renal diseases, urinary incontinence, etc.