Effects of Lippia integrifolia aqueous extract on rat gastrointestinal tract

GORZALCZANY S; SÜLSEN V; VESCINA C; MARTINO V; ACEVEDO C

BIOCELL

INST HISTOL EMBRIOL-CONICET

Año: 2003 vol. 27 p. 385 - 385

0327-9545

Lippia integrifolia (Gris) Hieronymus (Verbenaceae) is a wild plant growing in NortWest of Argentina commonly known as ?incayuyo?, ?poleo?, ?té del inca? or ?pulco?. The infusion is used in folk medicine for the treatment of human ailments particularly those of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also included in popular sour beverages.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the infusion on rat isolated jejunum contractions and choleretic activity in rats. Sprague Dowley rats were used and segments of jejunum were removed by careful dissection. All the tissues were maintained in Tyrode´s solution and the contractions were recorded by an isometric force transducer. The extract in a concentration dependent manner (0.5 ? 2 mg/ml) inhibited the jejunum contraction induced by 80 mM ClK. Moreover, infusion (0.5-3 mg/ml) had a significant inhibitory effect on acetylcholine concentration response curve, reducing the maximum induced contraction. The choleretic properties were investigated in rats. The extract was administered p.o. at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/Kg and then the common bile duct was cannulated. The results showed a significant increase of bile flow (55%) and bile acid content (30%) at the dose of 500 and 750 mg/Kg during the first 15 minutes. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Lippia integrifolia has spasmolytic and choleretic effects that could validate its traditional use in gastrointestinal disorders.