title: Evaluation of Alstonia scholaris leaves for broncho-vasodilatory activity.
abstract: The present study demonstrates that the ethanol extract of Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) leaves induced pronounced bronchodilatory activity in anaesthetized rats with the probable involvement of prostaglandins. However, in vitro preparations of guinea-pig trachea did not confirm this property, indicating that bronchodilation is not due to the direct tracheal smooth muscle relaxation. The vasodilatory activity of the extract was independent of adrenergic or muscarinic receptors or prostaglandins but was mainly via endothelial-derived relaxing factor, nitric oxide. The extract inhibited the spontaneous movements of rabbit jejunum and contractile effects of acetylcholine and histamine on guinea-pig ileum. Additionally, the extract caused marked reduction of barium chloride-, potassium chloride- and calcium chloride-induced contraction on guinea-pig ileum and pulmonary artery, implying a direct interference of plant extract with the influx of calcium ions into cells. However, the extract has no detectable effect on mobilization of intracellular calcium. These results coupled with the in vivo effects of ethanol extract reveal that the Alstonia scholaris leaves possess broncho-vasodilatory activity mediated presumably by prostaglandins, calcium antagonism and endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s).
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Frontier Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan. shabanachanna@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Shabana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Channa
authors.forename: Ahsana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dar
authors.forename: Shakeel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.lastname: Atta-ur-Rahman
mesh_terms: D031051:Alstonia; D000818:Animals; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts