Effect of Crude Extract of Raphanus Sativus Roots on Isolated Trachea of Albino Rat

Background: Raphanus sativus (radish) has documented spasmogenic effects on smooth muscles. This controlled in vitro study was carried out to determine the effects of crude extract from roots of Raphanus sativus on isolated rat trachea. Methods: Extract was prepared by crushing Raphanus sativus roots in a juicer and filtering it through filter paper. Its effect was studied on isolated tracheal rings of rat using water bath (four chamber Panlab), force transducer, Chart 07 and Powerlab (ADInstruments). Baseline tension was recorded and then compared with tension after administering the drug. Concentrations of the extract used were 10 to 10. Effects of spasmogenic drug carbachol were also observed in the same concentrations for comparison. Effects of the extract and carbachol in all doses were then studied after pre-treatment with anticholinergic drug atropine (10). Results: Raphanus sativus crude extract showed a significant contractile response in isolated rat trachea as was evident from changes in the recorded tension from the baseline values. This effect was, however, significantly less when compared with carbachol. Effects of both carbachol as well as Raphanus sativus were blocked by atropine in all doses. Conclusion: Raphanus sativus has significant cholinergic spasmogenic effects on isolated rat trachea. It is recommended to study these spasmogenic effects of Raphanus sativus in vivo on respiratory tracts of animal models of asthma and human volunteers.