PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AN AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF CASSIA OCCIDENTALIS (CAESALPINIACEAE) ON IN VITRO CONTRACTIONS OF ISOLATED RABBIT DUODENUM

Kouakou Koffi Jules*, Abo Kouakou Jean-Claude and Tra Bi Olivier

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate the potential pharmacological effects of Cassia occidentalis (Caesalpiniaceae) on duodenal contractions, to justify its use in traditional medicine to treat constipation. Thus, EACo contains both myostimulant and myorelaxant compounds whose effects are expressed as a function of the dose. These pharmacological effects would be due to the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, catechic tannins, alkaloids and saponins highlighted in EACo by the phytochemical screening carried out. The aqueous extract of Cassia occidentalis leaves causes between 10 -2 mg/ mL and 3 mg/ mL an increase in rhythmic contractions of intestinal smooth muscle. These positive inotropic effects antagonized by Atropine (10 -3 mg/ mL) are totally abolished in poor and calcium-free medium (0Ca 2+ , 0Ca 2+ + EDTA (10 -5 M) and 0Ca2+ + EGTA (10-5 M)). These results suggest the presence of cholinomimetic substances in the crude extract. These cholinomimetic substances would promote the entry of calcium into the smooth muscle cell by stimulating muscarinic receptors. These substances would justify the traditional use of this plant as a laxative or purgative.

Keywords: Cassia occidentalis, myostimulants, choliomimetics.