A drug used in traditional medicine: Harpagophytum procumbens DC. IV. Effects on some isolated muscle preparations

J Ethnopharmacol. 1985 May;13(2):201-8. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(85)90007-8.

Abstract

Effects of the crude methanolic extract of Harpagophytum procumbens secondary roots and two of its active principles, harpagoside and harpagide, on some smooth muscle in vitro have been studied. The results obtained show how the action of H. procumbens is due to a complex interaction between the various active principles contained in the drug and suggest that they, especially harpagoside, interfere with the mechanisms that regulate the influx of calcium in the cells.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Barium / pharmacology
  • Barium Compounds*
  • Chlorides*
  • Glycosides*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Ileum / drug effects
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Iridoid Glycosides
  • Jejunum / drug effects
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / drug effects
  • Muscle, Smooth / drug effects*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Pyrans / pharmacology
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Barium Compounds
  • Chlorides
  • Glycosides
  • Iridoid Glycosides
  • Plant Extracts
  • Pyrans
  • barium chloride
  • Barium
  • harpagoside
  • Acetylcholine
  • harpagide