Abstract
Crude methanolic extract of Forsskalea tenacissima was screened for possible spasmogenic, spasmolytic and anti hypertensive activities. The extract was studied in isolated rabbit's jejunum preparations. The extract was also screened for in vivo antihypertensive effect in spontaneous hypertensive Wistar rats. Crude methanolic extract produced spasmogenic activity (15 +/- 2% of control, n = 6, p <= 0.05) at a test dose of 0.1 mg/ml of the cumulative test dose(s) tried as 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 5 and 10 mg/ml. However, at higher dose 5.0 mg/ml, maximum spasmolytic activity was observed (EC50 = 2.7 +/- 0.06 mg/ml, n = 6). The extract also produced bradycardiac effects at test doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg. Statistically significant fall in blood pressure (BP) was 19 and 21 mm Hg for test doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively (p <= 0.05). Our current work confirms the folkloric uses of F. tenacissima as spasmogenic, antispasmodic (in large doses) and antihypertensive drug.