Effect of the aqueous extract of African mistletoe, Tapinanthus sessilifolius (P. Beauv) van Tiegh leaf on gastrointestinal muscle activity.

ABSTRACT

Effects of the aqueous extract of T. sessilifolius on the gastrointestinal muscle were investigated on smooth muscle preparations isolated from rabbit jejunum, guinea pig ileum and on gastrointestinal transit in mice. Elemental analysis of the extract was also carried out. The aqueous extract of T. sessilifolius evoked a concentration dependent contraction of the rabbit jejunum and guinea pig ileum. The contractions evoked by the extract were not attenuated either by atropine or mepyramine, but they were completely blocked by verapamil. The elemental analysis revealed the presence of Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, and very high concentration of Ca. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was found to be 1500 mg/kg. The aqueous extract of T. sessilifoliius possesses active components that may be mediating the observed biological activity through calcium mobilization.