Spasmolytic activity of the aqueous extract of leaves of Coccinia grandis L. in rabbit smooth muscles

This study was aimed to provide pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Coccinia grandis L. [Cucurbitaceae] leaf aqueous extract in indigestion and constipation using the in vitro assay. The portion of rabbit jejunum was mounted in an organ bath, filled with Tyrode's Ringer solution and spontaneous movements of intestine were recorded on oscillograph and kymograph using isotonic transducer before and after applying drug samples and aqueous leaf extract. This study showed that the C. grandis L. possesses laxative activities along with spasmodic effect in the isolated tissues, mediated partially through activation of muscarinic receptors; thus, this study provides a rationale for the medicinal use of C. grandis L. leaves in indigestion and constipation. The results showed that the aqueous extract of C.grandis L. leaves has a significant spasmodic activity which supports its use in traditional herbal medicine practice. The extract produced an increase in intestinal transit comparable to normal contraction; number of contraction also increased in the presence of extract. Hence, the result indicated a remarkable increasing effect on the movement of intestinal tissues of rabbit in comparison to control