CHOLINOMIMETIC EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS FROM Carum copticum SEEDS

Abstract

An aqueous extract from roasted seeds of Carum copticum (omum) has cholinomimetic effects. It shows muscarinic effects on rabbit duodenum, guinea-pig ileum and rat jejunum, and on the blood pressure of rat and cat. These effects are blocked by atropine. It also has a nicotinic action on the frog rectus preparation and atropinized cat blood pressure. Its effect is potentiated by physostigmine and antagonized by cholinesterase or alkalinization. Paper and gas chromatography have confirmed the presence of acetylcholine and choline in the roasted omum seed extract.Aqueous extracts from seeds of Carum copticum (Benth.) f. Umbelliferae (commonly known as omum or Bishop's weed) are used in household remedies and also as a spice in food in India. A watery extract of omum seeds is used to relieve gripe in children. In diarrhoea, either roasted omum seeds are taken, or a watery extract made from them is given as a draught. In the present study the pharmacological effects of cold or hot aqueous extracts of whole or ground seeds of Carum copticum were investigated. MethodsPreparation of omum extracts Aqueous extracts were made by leaving the seeds of Carum copticum (10 g to 100 ml) either in cold or hot water for a period of 4 hours. These were designated as follows: (1) extract from whole seeds soaked in cold water (at room temperature of about 250 C) (OE 1); (2) extract from powdered seeds soaked in cold water (OE 2); (3) infusion with whole seeds (OE 3); (4) whole seeds roasted to dark brownish hue in a glass pan, added to water and left (OE 4). The fourth procedure is the one adopted commonly in households for preparing a draught against diarrhoea. I Present address: Psychopharmacology program,

Relaxant effects of aqueous cold extracts of Carum copticum on smooth muscle

“…We found that aqueous extracts with roasted seeds had large amounts of acetylcholine and choline to explain its stimulant effect on isolated rat tissues. 10 Similar presence of acetylcholine and choline in aqueous extracts is reported in aqueous extracts from roasted spices. 14 Relaxation with cold omum extracts was also reported.…”

“…14 Relaxation with cold omum extracts was also reported. 10 The present paper investigated the possible receptor mechanisms of these relaxant effects -anti-muscarinic, antihistaminic and adrenergic systems. Even uterine contractions induced by oxytocin were not relaxed.…”

“…8,9 We reported earlier that aqueous extracts from roasted omum seeds contain acetylcholine (ACh) and choline. 10 Presence of ACh was confirmed by its muscarinic and nicotinic actions by biological and chromatographic tests. We also observed that the cold omum extracts produce relaxation of intestine, which could account for the relief in intestinal colic.…”

Memory Enhancing Activity of Abana: An Indian Ayurvedic Poly-Herbal Formulation

“…In the present study, the Abana showed elevation of acetylcholine level by significant reduction of cholinesterase activity in brain of treated young and aged mice. Furthermore, ingredients Carum copticum, 35) Celastrus paniculatus, 19) Glycyrrhiza glabra, 16) Zingiber officianale, 27) Centella asiatica, 33) Withania somnifera, 36) have been reported to possess AChE inhibitory activity, which may facilitate the cholinergic pathways responsible for the improvement of memory exhibited by Abana.…”

In vitro Plantlet Regeneration from Callus Culture of Trachyspermum copticum

“…Some biological effects of T. copticum such as anti-inflammatory (Thangam et al 2003), antifungal (Rasooli et al 2008), antiviral (Hussein et al 2000), anti-nociceptive (Hejazian et al 2008), anti-filarial (Mathew et al 2008), antioxidant activity (Bera et al 2004), analgesic (Kaur et al 2009), antimicrobial (Sharifi-Rada et al 2013) and also several therapeutic effects including anti-tussive (Devasankaraiah 1974), anti-vomiting (Gilani et al 2005), digestive stimulant (Boskabady et al 2003), hepatoprotective (Srivastava et al 1999) and lactogenic (Shaukat et al 2004) have been documented.…”