Abstract Title:

Antispasmodic and vasodilator activities of Morinda citrifolia root extract are mediated through blockade of voltage dependent calcium channels.

Abstract Source:

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 Jan 13;10(1):2. Epub 2010 Jan 13. PMID: 20070879

Abstract Author(s):

Anwarul Hassan Gilani, Saf-Ur-Rehman Mandukhail, Javeid Iqbal, Masoom Yasinzai, Nauman Aziz, Aslam Khan, Najeeb-Ur -Rehman

Abstract:

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Morinda citrifolia (Noni) is an edible plant with wide range of medicinal uses. It occurs exclusively in tropical climate zone from India through Southeast Asia and Australia to Eastern Polynesia and Hawaii. The objective of this study was to explore the possibal mode(s) of action for its antispasmodic, vasodilator and cardio-suppressant effects to rationalize its medicinal use in gut and cardiovascular disorders. METHODS: Isolated tissue preparations such as, rabbit jejunum, rat and rabbit aorta and guinea pig atria were used to test the antispasmodic and cardiovascular relaxant effects and the possible mode of action(s) of the 70% aqueous-ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia roots (Mc.Cr). RESULTS: The Mc.Cr produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous and high K+ induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations. It also caused right ward shift in the concentration response curves of Ca++, similar to that of verapamil. In guinea-pig right atria, Mc.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions. In rabbit thoracic aortic preparations, Mc.Cr also suppressed contractions induced by phenylephrine (1.0 muM) in normal- Ca++ and Ca++-free kreb solutions and by high K+, similar to that of verapamil. In rat thoracic aortic preparations, Mc.Cr also relaxed the phenylephrine (1.0 muM)-induced contractions. The vasodilatory responses were not altered in the presence of L-NAME (0.1 mM) or atropine (1.0 muM) and removal of endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the spasmolytic and vasodilator effects of Mc.Cr root extract are mediated possibly through blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels and release of intracellular calcium, which may explain the medicinal use of Morinda citrifolia in diarrhea and hypertension. However, more detailed studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy of this plant.

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.