EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM ELAEOPHORBIA DRUPIFERA LEAVES ON THE GASTROINTESTINAL SMOOTH MUSCLE OF THE RABBIT

The crude extract from E. drupifera leaves was prepared using standard methods. The rabbit intestine was removed and separated into three segments (duodenum, jejunum and ileum). About 3-4cm of each segment was mounted in an organ bath containing Tyrode solution at 37 ± 1°C. The spontaneous and rhythmic contractions were recorded and the effects of the crude extract (2-300μg/ml) on the tissue responses were investigated. The effect of Ca2+ concentration and temperature of the bathing fluid were also studied. From the results, the extract (2-300μg/ml) increased the amplitudes of contractions in a dose-dependent manner. However, regional differences occurred in the responsiveness of the tissue preparations. The ED50 values were found to be 25.12, 44.67 and 15.85 mg/ml for the duodenum, jejunum and ileum respectively. Certain conditions such as calcium availability and increase in bath temperature favoured the action of the extract on the tissue preparations. Drugs like mepyramine or methysergide failed to influence the action of the extract. However, the extract-induced contractions were prevented or blocked by noradrenaline or atropine sulphate. The contractions were however ameliorated by the addition of acetyleholine or neostigmine to the bath solution. From the results, it is likely that the extract causes increased contractions of the tissue preparation via acetylcholine-like agent, which stimulates the muscarinic cholinoceptors