Publication:

Relaxant effects of aqueous cold extracts of Carum copticum on smooth muscle

Background The objective was to study the nature of relaxant effect of cold aqueous extracts of Carum copticum on rat alimentary tract and uterus.

Methods The aqueous cold extracts of Carum copticum (omum) whole seeds (OE1) or ground seeds (OE2) was prepared by leaving them (10g to 100mL) in distilled water for 4 hrs. Rat isolated tissues like stomach, duodenum, jejunum or uterus 4 cm pieces were mounted in a 20mL bath containing Tyrode solution or De Jalons at 37°C with continuous aeration. The effect of Carum copticum extracts and thymol on spontaneous activity of intestine and on acetylcholine (ACh), Histamine (H), Barium chloride (BaCl2) induced contractions or Adrenaline produced (Adr) relaxations were observed. Thymol content of omum was estimated by HPLC.

Results Omum extracts decreased or abolished spontaneous contractions of intestine but did not antagonize the contractions induced by ACh, H or relaxation induced by adrenaline. Thymol did not show any such effect. The stimulant action of BaCl2 was antagonized by aqueous cold extracts of omum similar to Papaverine.

Conclusions The relaxant effect of Carum copticum on rat intestine appears to be a direct effect on smooth muscle like papaverine.