ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 001-004, June, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Calcium channel blocking activities of Withania coagulans
Niaz Ali1*, Bashir Ahmad2, Shumaila Bashir3, Jehandar Shah4, Sadiq Azam2 and Manzoor Ahmad5
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, N. W .F. P. Pakistan.
2Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar. N. W. F. P. Pakistan.
3Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar. N. W. F. P. Pakistan.
4Plant taxonomist and Ex-Vice Chancellor, University of Malakand, Chakdara, N. W. F. P. Pakistan.
5Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, N. W. F. P. Pakistan.
Accepted 26 February, 2012
Abstract
The effects of crude methanolic extract of Withania coagulans (Wc.cr) were studied for possible calcium channel blocking activities in rabbit’s jejunum preparations at different doses. Potassium chloride (KCl) induced contractions were also inhibited by the Wc.cr extract suggesting calcium channel blocking activity. Calcium channel blocking activity was confirmed by the right shift in the dose response curves of the tissues in calcium free tyrode’s solution. The dose response curves of the Wc.cr resemble the curves produced by verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker. The results confirm the presence of calcium channel blocker(s) in the extract and the plant species could be a potential target for activity-guided isolation of the active moieties.
Key words: Withania coagulans, spasmolytic, verapamil, calcium channel-blocking activity.