Spasmodic Response and Neurogenic Mechanism of Water Extract of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less on Rat Duodenum.

Use of different agonists and antagonists for elucidating the mechanism of aqueous extract of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. on duodenal smooth muscle of female albino rat suggested the presence of an active ingredient in plant having spasmogenic response that has neurogenic mechanism on rat duodenal smooth muscle. The responses of extract were dose dependent and fully reversible on wash. The findings suggested that the extract responses mediate through agonistic action without blockade of any receptor enzyme. Extract possibly stimulates presynaptic cholinergic nerve endings to produce spasmodic response in rat duodenal smooth muscle.