Abstract
This study evaluated the antispasmodic, bronchodilator and anti-platelet activities of Abies webbiana to rationalize some of its folk uses in gut and airways disorders and inflammation. The crude extract of A. webbiana (Aw.Cr) caused a complete relaxation of both spontaneous and K+ (80-mM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum in a concentration-dependent manner. Aw.Cr shifted the Ca++ concentration-response curves (CRCs) to the right, in a fashion similar to verapamil, confirming its Ca++ channel blocking (CCB) effect. In isolated rabbit tracheal preparations, it caused relaxation of carbachol (1-μM) and K+ (80-mM)-induced contractions comparable to verapamil suggesting that the bronchodilatory effect may possibly be mediated through CCB activity. Aw.Cr was found to be the inhibitor of both ADP- and epinephrine-induced aggregation of human platelets thereby suggesting therapeutic potential in this plant against thrombo-embolic conditions. The exhibited anti-platelet effect was observed at low doses against epinephrine as compared to ADP. This study confirmed the presence of spasmolytic activity in Abies webbiana through possible blockade of Ca++ channels providing evidence for its folkloric use in gut and respiratory disorders in addition to anti-platelet activity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1182-1187 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Phytotherapy Research |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Abies webbiana
- anti-platelet
- calcium antagonist
- gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders