PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SECURIDACA LONGIPEDUNCULATA ON VASCULAR AND EXTRA-VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLES

Methanolic Extract of the root-bark of Securidaca longipedunculata was tested for pharmacological activity on isolated vascular and extra-vascular smooth muscle preparations. The root barks extract (50-800mg/ml) inhibited and/or abolished, in a concentration-dependent manner, the myogenic, spontaneous contractions as well as standard agonist drug-induced contractions of the smooth muscles preparations used. The rat isolated portal vein, rat isolated aortic ring, and guinea pig isolated ileum and guinea pig isolated uterus were employed in the in-vitro experiments. Since the plant extract inhibitory effects of the plant extract are unlikely to be mediated thorugh a specific receptor system, but rather, through a non-specific spasmolytic action. Key Words: Securidaca longipedunculata; Polygalaceae, Root Bark; Vascular and Extra-vascular Smooth Muscles; Inhibitory Effects; Non-specific Action Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.5 2001: 26-2