Pharmacological Studies Pertaining to Smooth Muscle Relaxant, Platelet Aggregation Inhibitory and Hypotensive Effects of Ailanthus altissima

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro and in vivo study was conducted to rationalize some of traditional medicinal uses of Ailanthus altissima in gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. MATERIALS: Crude extract of Ailanthus altissima (Aa.Cr) and its fractions were prepared and utilized in in vitro and in vivo studies. For in vitro studies, Aa.Cr was investigated on isolated rabbit jejunum, isolated tracheal strip, and isolated aorta of rat suspended in tissue organ bath. Platelet rich and platelet poor plasma were used to study platelet aggregation inhibitory activity. In vivo antidiarrheal effect of Aa.Cr was investigated on balb/c mice pretreated with castor oil to induce diarrhea and SD rats were used to study hypotensive activity. RESULTS: Concentration dependent spasmolytic effects of Aa.Cr and its DCM fraction (Aa.DCM) were observed on spontaneous and spasmogen induced contractions in jejunum isolated from rabbit, but effect against high potassium (high-K(+)) induced contractions was more potent. Moreover Aa.Cr showed parallel shifting of calcium response curve to the right side. While its aqueous fraction (Aa.aq) caused spasmogenesis of isolated rabbit jejunum, this effect was blocked partially with prior administration of atropine (1μM). Concentration dependent protection against castor oil induced diarrhea was also observed. Relaxant effect was observed by the application of Aa.Cr and Aa.DCM against high-K(+) and carbachol (CCh) induced contractions in tracheal strips isolated from SD rats, while Aa.Aq caused partial relaxation of high-K(+) induced contractions, but no effect was observed against CCh induced contractions. Relaxation of rat aorta by the application of Aa.Cr and its fractions was also observed. Inhibition of force of contraction in rabbit atrium was also observed. Inhibition of platelet aggregation was observed against epinephrine and ADP induced aggregation. CONCLUSION: Keeping in view the observed results, it is concluded that smooth muscle relaxant, platelet aggregation inhibitory and hypotensive effect may be due to the blockage of calcium channels.