The Inhibitory Effects of Ferula assafoetida on Muscarinic Receptors of Guinea-Pig Tracheal Smooth Muscle

Abstract

Background: In traditional medicine, asafoetida obtained from the roots of different Ferula assafoetida (F. asafoetida) is used for various therapeutic purposes such as whooping cough, pneumonia and bronchitis in children, as well as asthma. Objectives: In this study, the effect of asafoetida on muscarinic receptors of tracheal smooth muscle, as one possible mechanism responsible for the relaxant effect seen for the plant, was evaluated. Materials and Methods:The effects of three cumulative concentrations of aqueous extract of F. asafoetida (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/mL), 10 nM atropine, and saline on muscarinic receptors were tested in tracheal smooth muscle samples by performing cumulative concentration response curve to methacholine (a muscarinic receptor agonist) and assessing the shift in concentration response curves due to different concentrations of the extract and atropine. Results: The EC 50 obtained in the presence of higher concentration of the extract muscle was significantly higher compared to saline (P < 0.01). The maximum responses to methacholine in the presence of higher concentration of the extract (10 mg/mL) was significantly lower than that of saline (P < 0.05). The values of CR-1, obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract, were significantly lower compared to atropine in the experimental group (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). Conclusions: These results showed an inhibitory effect for the extract of asafetida on muscarinic receptors of tracheal smooth muscle.

The effects of medicinal plants on muscarinic receptors in various types of smooth muscle

“…While the concentration ratio minus one value obtained in the presence of all concentrations of extract was significantly lower than those of atropine. These results also suggested the inhibitory effect of this plant on muscarinic receptors (Khazdair, Boskabady, Kiyanmehr, Hashemzehi, & Iranshahi, ).…”

The Possible Therapeutic Effects of Some Medicinal Plants for Chronic Cough in Children

“…The relaxant effect of aqueous extract of F. assa-foetida (2, 5, and 10 mg/ml) on the smooth muscle of the guinea pig tracheal chain ( in vitro study) was reported [ 95 ]. The relaxant effect of F. assa-foetida extract via inhibitory effect on histamine (H1) receptors, muscarinic receptors, and possible mechanisms for functional antagonistic on tracheal smooth muscle) have been investigated and [ 96 , 97 ] also reviewed [ 98 ].…”

Neuroprotective potency of some spice herbs, a literature review

“…It has been also reported that oleo-gum resin of F. asafoetida possesses sedative, expectorant, analgesic, carminative, stimulant, antiperiodic, ant-diabetic, anti-spasmodic, emmenagogue, vermifuge, laxative, anti-inflammatory, contraceptive and anti-epileptic effects 59 . Effects of F. asafoetida on muscarinic receptors and possible mechanisms for functional antagonistic of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle have been studied 60 , 61 . The relaxant effect of F. assafoetida on smooth muscles and its possible mechanisms have been reviewed 62 .…”

“… 59 Effects of F. asafoetida on muscarinic receptors and possible mechanisms for functional antagonistic of guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle have been studied. 60 , 61 The relaxant effect of F. assafoetida on smooth muscles and its possible mechanisms have been reviewed. 62 In pharmacological and biological studies, the ole-gum- resin of Ferula asafoetida have been revealed to have antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, anti-diabetic, molluscicidal, antispasmodic and antihypertensive effects.…”