Effect of Aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza on Rabbit Ileum in comparison Acetylcholine, Atropine and Ondansetron

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS can decrease life quality and increase risk of anxiety and depression. Drugs like Hyoscyamine, Metoclopramide, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists like Alosteron are used nowadays for its symptomatic management but their use is associated with adverse effects leading to decreased patient compliance. Nowadays natural plant-based medicine is preferred by people due to its fewer adverse effects therefore, the present study is designed to evaluate the effect of Glycyrrhiza on intestinal smooth muscle of rabbit. The aim of our study is to define the mechanism of action of Glycyrrhiza in promoting or inhibiting gut motility. Methodology and Results: An Experimental in-vitro study was carried out in the Pharmacology Department of Services Institute of Medical Sciences Lahore in January 2023. Rabbit Ileal tissue was used. Ileal smooth muscle activity was recorded using Power lab (AD instruments). After mounting, tissue was given rest for 30 minutes after which baseline contractions were recorded. Then 0.8ml of Acetylcholine (10-5) was added and contractions were recorded for 30 seconds. The tissue was washed with Tyrode’s solution three times and then given rest for 3 minutes. Then ileal tissue was treated with Glycyrrhiza 5%,15% and 20% and their effect was recorded. Acetylcholine served as a positive control and action of Glycyrrhiza 5%, 15%, and 20% solution was compared with it. After that Glycyrrhiza was used in the presence of drugs that inhibit intestinal motility; Atropine and Ondansetron 0.0036µM and 0.036µM. Results showed that Glycyrrhiza 5%, 15% and 20% increased intestinal motility significantly (p-value<0.0001) in comparison with Acetylcholine. However, when Glycyrrhiza was used in the presence of antagonists Atropine and Ondansetron, then it reduced intestinal motility significantly (p-value<0.0001). Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza has dual effect on gut motility that is direct muscarinic receptor agonist and indirect modulator of enteric vagus nerve terminal through serotonin 5HT3 receptors.