Abstract

Aims: There are many biological investigations for determining an effective cure for the dysfunction of gastrointestinal tracts, using herbal medicine. It has been reported that Carum Copticum is a bactericidal agent and possesses anticholinergic, antihistaminic and β-adrenergic stimulatory effects in some tissues. However, these effects of Carum Copticum on mechanical activities of isolated intestine are not clearly identified yet. The present study has been designed to find out the specific effects of Carum Copticum on mechanical activity of isolated rat's ileum. Materials and Methods: In this study rat's ileum contraction was recorded through an isolated tissue chamber in an organ bath by using isotonic transducer and oscillographic device. The effect of Carum Copticum extract on acetylcholine induced contraction in isolated rat's ileum was evaluated. Results: Our findings showed that 1 aqueous extract of Carum Copticum reduces the basal contractile activity of rat's ileum. The extract also reduced acetylcholine induced contraction to 40 of its maximum response. The inhibitory action of Carum Copticum extract on acetylcholine induced contraction was similar but slower than that of atropine sulfate. Conclusion: The results of this study showed an inhibitory effect of Carum Copticum extract on acetylcholine induced contraction in rat's ileum. © 2009 Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute.