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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research article

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

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

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2010

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 possible 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 μM) in normal- Ca⁺⁺ and Ca⁺⁺-free Kerb's solutions and by high K⁺, similar to that of verapamil. In rat thoracic aortic preparations, Mc.Cr also relaxed the phenylephrine (1.0 μM)-induced contractions. The vasodilatory responses were not altered in the presence of L-NAME (0.1 mM) or atropine (1.0 μM) 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.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/10/2/prepub

Title: Antispasmodic and vasodilator activities of Morinda citrifolia root extract are mediated through blockade of voltage dependent calcium channels
Authors: Anwarul Hassan Gilani
Saf-ur-Rehman Mandukhail
Javeid Iqbal
Masoom Yasinzai
Nauman Aziz
Aslam Khan
Najeeb-ur-Rehman
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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