Spasmolytic Activity of Fruits of Tamarindus indica L

OBJECTIVE To study the possible effects of methanolic extract of fruits of Tamarindus indica on rabbit's jejunum preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out on rabbit's jejunum preparations. Methanolic extract of fruits of T. indica was applied in different doses. Potassium chloride (KCl 80 mM)-induced contractions were relaxed by the extract. For determination of possible mode of action of relaxing effects, calcium chloride curves were constructed in decalcified tissues using K(+) normal and followed by K(+) rich solution. The curves were then compared with verapamil. RESULTS Relaxant effects on KCl-induced contractions were prominent at a concentration of 5.0-10.0 mg/ml (P<0.05). A right shift at a concentration of 3.0 mg/ml (EC(50) ± SEM = 1.98 ± 0.03) and 10.0 mg/ml (EC(50) ± SEM = 1.79 ± 0.05) versus control (EC(50) ± SEM = 2.33 ± 0.058) resembled the effects of verapamil on the calcium chloride curves. CONCLUSION The results confirmed its possible mode of relaxing effects i.e. through calcium channel blockade.