Spasmolytic actions of warifteine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl (Menispermaceae)

Warifteine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root bark of Cissampelos sympodialis Eicl., produced a reversible, nonspecific and noncompetitive antagonism of histamine, carbachol and bradykinin induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum. The corresponding pD'(2) values (mean+/-SE) were 4.90+/-0.15, 4.95+/-0.20 and 5.03+/-0.11. Warifteine also antagonized oxytocin and bradykinin induced contractions of the rat uterus in a similar manner with pD'(2) values of 4.30+/-0.26 and 3.76+/-0.06 respectively. In the guinea-pig trachea, the alkaloid inhibited spontaneous tone (IC50, 1.1X10(-5)M) as well as carbachol induced sustained contractions (IC50 2.9X10(-5)M). As warifteine antagonized KCI induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum (pD'(2) value 4.57+/-0.10), inhibition of Ca++ influx through voltage operated Ca++ channels may be partially responsible for its antispasmodic activity. However, the reported local anaesthetic property of warifteine may not contribute to the observed muscle relaxation as procaine failed to reduce the spontaneous tone or consistently antagonize carbachol induced contractions of the trachea and was inactive in inhibiting voltage operated Ca++ channels in the ileum.