Effects of methanolic root extract of ledebouria ovaltifolia (hyacithaneae) on isolated smooth muscle preparation in rats

This study investigated the receptor effects of methanolic root extract of ledebouria ovaltifolia on Acetylcholine and Potassium (K+) induced contractions in Rat stomach strip (RSS), Adrenaline and K+ (induce contractions) in rat vas deferens (RVD), and carbachol and K+ induced contractions in rat uterus (RUT). Effects of the root extract (1.27mg/mL) on acetylcholine (6.8x10-9 to 10.4x10-8 M) adrenaline 2x10-7M, carbachol (2x10- 8M-1.6x10-7M), and K+ contractions were non competitive. Results of muscle contractility in zero-Ca2+ containing 0.5mM EGTA varies in these tissues in this order RSS>RVD>RUT. It is concluded in this study, the inhibitory effect of the extract was non specific on muscarinic, adreneceptors nor depolarised membrane site. The effect of the extract was more marked on potassium (K+) than receptor mediated contractions. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 232 - 327) Key Words; ledebouria Ovaltifolia, Extract, methanolic, smooth muscle contractions, rodents