Evaluation of the Pharmacological Properties of Dichrostachys cinerea Hydroalcoholic Extract on the Contractility of Taenia Coli Isolated from Guinea Pigs

Aims: Dichrostachys cinerea is a plant use for his several properties,including the treatment of abscesses, eczema, gonorrhea, rheumatism, gingivitis, dental caries, epilepsy, as diuretic and laxative; against otitis, umbilical hernia, malaria in children. No study shows the laxative effect of this plant.

Study Design: The objective of this work is to highlight the laxative properties of Dichrostachys cinerea by studying its effect on taenia coli isolated from guinea pigs.

Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology department of the Institute of Pharmacopoeia and Traditional Medicine of Libreville in Gabon, between January 2022 and October 2022.

Methodology: Pharmacological properties of Dichrostachys cinerea hydro alcoholic extract (Edici) was investigated on preparation of taenia coli isolated from guinea pig (PTGP) fragments of which were kept in an isolated organ tank containing a physiological solution of the Mac Ewen type. Normal contractile activity is recorded using a rikadenki type graphic recorder and increasing doses of our extract is administered into the medium.

Results: The analysis of our extract by a specific β receptor antagonist, propranolol, is used. We observe that the addition of propranolol (10-5 M) to PTGP does not result in the suppression of contractions by Edici. We go from a contraction percentage of 13.33% when adding dose E3 to 40% for dose E4. Then, the effect of phentolamine, an α-adrenergic blocker, followed by the addition of increasing doses of Edici is observed on smooth muscle. The extract causes an increase in basic tone with contraction amplitude. We go from an increase of 29.5% for the concentration of E1 to 75% when adding the E3 dose. The addition of promethazine to our PTGP leads to a significant reduction in it.

Conclusion: Our extract causes an increase in the rhythmic contraction of taenia coli isolated from guinea pigs, which justifies its use against constipation.