Studies on cardio-suppressant, vasodilator and tracheal relaxant effects of Sarcococca saligna

Arch Pharm Res. 2006 Nov;29(11):990-7. doi: 10.1007/BF02969283.

Abstract

Sarcococca saligna is a shrub that is traditionally used for its medicinal properties in Pakistan. In this study we report the cardio-suppressant, vasodilator and tracheal relaxant activities of the aqueous-methanolic extract (Ss.Cr) of the plant. Ss.Cr, that tested positive for the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and alkaloids, exhibited a dose-dependent (0.3-5 mg/mL) negative inotropic and chronotropic effect on the isolated guinea-pig atrium which was resistant to atropine (1 microM) and aminophylline (10 microM) pretreatment. In rabbit thoracic aorta, Ss.Cr dose-dependently (0.1-3 mg/mL) relaxed the high K+ (80 mM) and phenylephrine (PE, 1 microM)-induced contractions, indicating a possible Ca++ channel blocking (CCB) effect. When tested against PE (1 microM) control peaks in normal Ca++ and Ca++-free Kreb's solution, Ss.Cr exhibited dose-dependent (0.1-3 mg/mL) inhibition, being more potent in relaxing the PE responses in Ca++-free Kreb's solution, thus indicating specific blockade of Ca++ release from the intracellular stores. Ss.Cr also relaxed the agonist-induced contractions in: a) rat aorta irrespective of the presence of endothelium or nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME and b) rabbit and guinea-pig tracheal strips. The data shows that Ss.Cr possesses possible Ca++ channel blocking activity which might be responsible for its observed cardio-suppressant, vasodilator and tracheal relaxant effects though more tests are required to confirm this Ca++ channel blocking effect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aminophylline / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / pharmacology*
  • Atropine / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Atropine / pharmacology
  • Bronchodilator Agents / pharmacology*
  • Buxaceae / chemistry*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Heart Atria / drug effects
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Muscle, Smooth / drug effects*
  • Myocardial Contraction / drug effects
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / pharmacology
  • Pakistan
  • Phenylephrine / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Potassium Chloride / pharmacology
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Trachea / drug effects*
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / pharmacology
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Plant Extracts
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Phenylephrine
  • Aminophylline
  • Potassium Chloride
  • Atropine
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester