To investigate the pharmacological effects of aqueous root extract of
Ledebouria ovaltifolia
on Potassium and Adrenaline-induced contractions of the rat vas deferens, the spontaneous pendular movement of Isolated rabbit jejunum, and acetic acid induce pain in mice. Isolated epidydymal end of the adult male rat{200-350g],and rabbit jejunum in separate experiment were mounted in Ugo Basil organ bath containing Tyrode solution aerated with95% O
2 and 5% CO
2, and responses monitored through isometric transducer connected to a 2-channel dynamometer recorder The effect of extract[27.4mg/ml] was examined on submaximal dose of K & ,adrenaline, and rabbit pendular movement , similarly the extract was examined on acetic acid induced pain in mice. The extract in concentration used, produce a significant inhibition on K and Adrenaline induced contractions [height] up to 75 and 68% respectively. In most of the experiments and this effect was more marked on K than Adrenailne contractions. The extract showed initial potentiation of PDM, followed by a stepwise relaxation leading to a prolonged cessation of pendular movement thus showing dual actions., the extract prolonged the reaction time of75%[ p>0.05] over 20min observation time with no overt signs of toxicity. These results suggest the presence of spasmolytic and analgesic activities in the plant extract.
