EFFECT OF CUSCUTA REFLEXA EXTRACT ON GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY

Abstract

Background: Motility disorders of the gut are one of the major challenges to the medical profession. The stem of Cuscuta reflexa had been used by traditional practitioners for the treatment of gastrointestinal and bilious disorders. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of an extract of C. reflexa on carbachol-induced contractions of isolated rabbit ileum. Methods: The study was conducted from January to July 2020 at Department of Pharmacology, Muhammad College of Medicine, Peshawar after approval from the Ethical Committee of the College. The sample size was calculated using the ‘Degree of Freedom in Anova’ formula. The rabbit’s ileum tissues were dissected and divided into two main groups, and each was further divided into three subgroups. Each subgroup consisted of six isolated rabbit’s ileum tissues. After equilibration and stabilization of tissues in an organ bath containing Tyrode’s solution, the effect of atropine and C. reflexa extract on carbachol-induced contractions in isolated rabbit’s ileum was recorded. Results were analysed statistically, and p?0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ethanolic extract of C. reflexa of different concentrations significantly decreased the amplitude of carbachol-induced contractions of rabbit ileum (p<0.05). The most powerful response of ethanolic extract of C. reflexa was observed at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of C. reflexa produces antimuscarinic effects on smooth muscles of the rabbit ileum.

Pak J Physiol 2023;19(2):10–4