Abstract
is traditionally used in different areas of Pakistan to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular diseases. This study evaluates the underlying mechanisms for traditional uses of
in diarrhea, asthma, and hypertension. In vitro pharmacological studies were conducted using isolated jejunum, trachea, and aortic preparations, while the cytotoxic study was conducted in mice. Crude extract of
(Pp.Cr), comprising appreciable quantities of alkaloids and flavonoids, relaxed spontaneously contracting jejunum preparation, K
(80 mM)-induced, and carbachol (1 µM)-induced jejunum contractions in a concentration-dependent manner similar to dicyclomine and dantrolene. Pp.Cr showed a rightward parallel shift of concentration-response curves (CRCs) of Cch after a non-parallel shift similarto dicyclomine and shifted CRCs of Ca
to rightward much likeverapamil and dantrolene, demonstrating the coexistence of antimuscarinic and Ca
antagonistic mechanism. Furthermore, Pp.Cr, dicyclomine, and dantrolene relaxed K
(80 mM)-induced and Cch (1 µM)-induced tracheal contractions and shifted rightward CRCs of Cch similar to dicyclomine, signifying the dual blockade. Additionally, Pp.Cr also relaxed the K
(80 mM)-induced and phenylephrine (1 µM)-induced aortic contraction, similarly to verapamil and dantrolene, suggesting Ca
channel antagonism. Here, we explored for the first time thespasmolytic and bronchodilator effects of Pp.Crand whether they maybe due to the dual blockade of Ca
channels and muscarinic receptors, while the vasodilator effect might be owing to Ca
antagonism. Our results provide the pharmacological evidence that
could be a new potential therapeutic option to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular diseases. Hence, there is a need for further research to explore bioactive constituent of
as well as further investigation by suitable experimental models are required to further confirm the importance and usefulness of
in diarrhea, asthma, and hypertension treatment.