Investigation of Relaxative Effect of Stem-Bark Extract of Erythrophleum Suaveolens on Rat Phrenic Nerve-Diaphragm Muscle

Abstract

Background: The effect of crude extract of Erythrophleum suaveolens was studied on isolated tissues of the Rat’s phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscles. Study aimed to investigate the relaxant effect of crude extract of E. suaveolens on the skeletal muscle using isolated rat phrenic nervediaphragm preparation in comparison with selected test drugs activity. Methods: Reference drugs (Hexamethonium, Pancuronium and Suxamethonium) were used on the isolated tissues. Crude extract blocked the effect of Acetylcholine-induced contractions, thus a relaxing effect. Results: The relaxing effect of cold water stem-bark extract of E. suaveolens is evident on skeletal muscle of rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm. The observed relaxation-pattern is closely related with that of Hexamethonium. Conclusions: Cold water stem-bark extract of Erythrophleum suaveolens is therefore a potent muscle relaxant as claimed by traditional healers, hence could be explored as a muscle relaxant.