Antinociceptive and smooth muscle contracting activities of the methanolic extract of Cassia tora leaf

The leaves of Cassia tora Linn. (Family: Caesalpiniaceae) were soxhlet extracted with methanol. The spasmogenic effects of the extract were evaluated on guinea pig ileum, rabbit jejunum and mice intestinal transit. Antinociceptive activity of the extract was also evaluated in the mice. The LD50 values of the extract in mice were > 2000 mg/kg i.p. and p.o. The extract contracted smooth muscles of guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum in a concentration-dependent manner. Atropine reversibly blocked this activity. Mepyramine also reduced the contractile amplitude due to the extract in a concentration-dependent manner. The extract increased intestinal transit in mice dose dependently. C. tora extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the number of acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions in mice and the effect was comparable to that of aspirin (150 mg/kg i.p.). The extract also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the nociceptive response of mice to increased force (g). The effects were dose-dependent. The studies suggest that the use of C. tora, traditionally, as a purgative and in the treatment of other ailments is justifiable. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.