Acute toxicity, analgesic, and smooth muscle relaxant effects of the aqueous root extract of Asparagus racemosus from Kenya

The plant Asparagus racemosus is used traditionally in Kenya for a variety of medicinal purposes including the management pain, asthma, and premature labour. However, dearth empirical studies means that there limited information on acute toxicity pharmacological effects to support these uses by local plant. aim this study was, therefore, evaluate toxicity, analgesic, smooth muscle relaxation aqueous root extract powdered locally sourced was extracted using decoction method. Analgesic activity determined both hot plate writhing methods whereas contraction were evaluated rabbit isolated ileum, rat uterus guinea pig trachea. Acute also rodents. LD50 mice 505 mg/kg dose-dependent analgesic observed with 65% pain reduction at dose 400 compared 77% produced morphine (20 mg/kg). Concentration-dependent ileum uterus. Similarly, tracheal bronchodilation be concentration-dependent over 90% an organ bath concentration 4 mg/ml. In conclusion, extracts Kenyan A. produces antispasmodic, tocolytic bronchodilator activities. Future phytochemical analysis, isolation, characterisation candidate compounds responsible actions are recommended. Key words: extracts,