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01-01-2012 | Original Paper

Insights into mechanisms underlying the gut and airways modulatory effects of Swertia chirata

Authors: Arif-ullah Khan, Ashfaque Rahim, Zafar Iqbal, Anwarul-Hassan Gilani

Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Swertia chirata is used in folk medicine for the treatment of constipation, colic, diarrhea, and asthma. This study was carried out in order to provide a pharmacological basis for its medicinal use in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Crude extract of Swertia chirata (Sc.Cr) and its fractions were studied using rabbit isolated tissue preparations. In jejunum, Sc.Cr, which tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenes, caused stimulation at concentrations of 0.01–1.0 mg/mL, followed by a relaxant effect at higher concentrations. In the presence of atropine, the contractile effect was blocked and only relaxation occurred. Sc.Cr inhibited high K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions at 0.01–10 mg/mL and shifted Ca²⁺ concentration–response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. In trachea, Sc.Cr relaxed the carbachol (1 μM) and high K⁺-induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of verapamil. Bioassay directed fractionation revealed the separation of spasmogenic and spasmolytic components in aqueous and organic fractions, respectively. The chloroform fraction exhibited a concentration-dependent (0.1–3.0 mg/mL) bronchodilator effect. These results indicate that Swertia chirata exhibits gut excitatory and inhibitory effects, mediated through cholinergic and Ca²⁺ antagonist mechanisms, respectively, as well as bronchodilatation, via Ca²⁺ channel blockade. Thus, this study provides a sound mechanistic background for the therapeutic application of Swertia chirata in gut motility disorders, such as constipation, colic, and diarrhea, and airways hyperactivity disease, such as asthma.

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Title: Insights into mechanisms underlying the gut and airways modulatory effects of Swertia chirata
Authors: Arif-ullah Khan
Ashfaque Rahim
Zafar Iqbal
Anwarul-Hassan Gilani
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Natural Medicines / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1340-3443
Electronic ISSN: 1861-0293
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-011-0566-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Insights into mechanisms underlying the gut and airways modulatory effects of Swertia chirata

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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