Effect of Orthosiphon thymiflorus extract on skeletal muscles.

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: The effect of aqueous extract of orthosiphon thymiflorus on isolated skeletal muscles
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

S. Kavimani, R. Elango, Malaya Gupta, U.K. Majumdar


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: The effect of aqueous extract of orthosiphon thymiflorus on isolated skeletal muscles

Year: 1998

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study investigates the effects of an aqueous extract of Orthosiphon thymiflorus on acetylcholine-induced contractions in isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle preparations. This medicinal plant, known to exhibit various pharmacological properties, was examined for its potential inhibitory effects on skeletal muscle contraction. Previous studies have highlighted the antidiabetic, diuretic, and antibacterial activities of this plant genus, yet little research has focused specifically on its impact on neuromuscular transmission.

Inhibitory Action of Orthosiphon Thymiflorus

The results of the experiment demonstrate that the aqueous extract of Orthosiphon thymiflorus produces a significant dose-dependent inhibition of contractions induced by acetylcholine across all tested concentrations (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/ml). The findings suggest that the extract exhibits non-competitive inhibition of acetylcholine at its receptor sites, thereby blocking the nicotinic functions associated with skeletal muscle contraction. Acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter, normally facilitates ion flow through plasma membrane channels, leading to depolarization and contraction of muscle fibers. However, the presence of the extract appears to hinder this process, potentially preventing sodium ion entry and inhibiting the muscle contraction response.

Conclusion

The study concludes that Orthosiphon thymiflorus has the potential to exert an inhibitory effect on skeletal muscle contractions by interfering with acetylcholine's action at the receptor level. This discovery warrants further investigation into the medicinal applications of the plant, particularly in relation to conditions characterized by abnormal muscle contractions or neuromuscular deficits. Overall, the findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the pharmacological properties of Orthosiphon thymiflorus and its possible therapeutic uses in clinical settings.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Orthosiphon thymiflorus and where is it commonly found?

Orthosiphon thymiflorus is a medicinal subshrub found in India, typically growing in hilly areas above 600 meters and in arable lands.

What effect does the extract have on muscle contraction?

The aqueous extract of Orthosiphon thymiflorus significantly inhibits contraction induced by acetylcholine in isolated frog muscles, suggesting a blockage at the receptor site.

What method was used to prepare the aqueous extract?

The extract was prepared using imprinting, maceration, and percolation processes, yielding approximately 14.2 grams of extract from 100 grams of powdered plant material.

How does acetylcholine affect the muscle contraction process?

Acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter that opens ion channels, leading to depolarization and contraction. The extract inhibits this process by blocking acetylcholine's action at the receptor.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of Orthosiphon thymiflorus extract on skeletal muscles.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. It encompasses the mechanisms of drug action, therapeutic uses, and the potential side effects. The study of Orthosiphon thymiflorus highlights pharmacological properties, particularly its impact on skeletal muscle contraction via acetylcholine interactions.

2) Activity:
Activity in a scientific context refers to the measurable response or effect produced by a substance, often assessed in experimental conditions. In the study of Orthosiphon thymiflorus, the activity observed was the significant inhibitory effect on acetylcholine-induced muscle contraction, indicating its potential therapeutic relevance and biological efficacy.

3) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the effects and mechanisms of drugs. In the context of this research, the pharmacological aspect is essential for understanding how Orthosiphon thymiflorus can inhibit muscle contraction by interfering with acetylcholine at the receptor site, demonstrating its potential role in therapeutic applications.

4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to the property of a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria. The study mentions the antibacterial properties of Orthosiphon species, adding to the medicinal significance of the plant beyond merely its effects on muscle contraction, suggesting a broader scope of therapeutic applications against infections.

5) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the rigorous methodology utilized in research to derive conclusions and validate findings. This article underscores a scientific approach, highlighting the systematic investigation of Orthosiphon thymiflorus's effects, reinforcing the importance of credible evidence in pharmacological research and the advancement of herbal medicine.

6) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease, or to enhance physical or mental well-being. The research discusses the aqueous extract of Orthosiphon thymiflorus as a potential drug candidate due to its pharmacological effects, emphasizing its significance in developing therapeutic interventions.

7) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the chemical compounds produced by plants and often have biological activity. The study recognizes the need for phytochemical analysis of Orthosiphon thymiflorus to identify the underlying compounds responsible for its pharmacological effects, furthering the understanding of its medicinal properties and potential therapeutic applications.

8) Discussion:
Discussion encompasses the interpretation and significance of experimental results. In this study, the discussion revolves around the implications of Orthosiphon thymiflorus's inhibitory effects on muscle contraction, reflecting on how these findings contribute to existing knowledge in pharmacology and their potential applications in medicine.

9) Channel:
Channel refers to protein structures in cell membranes that facilitate the movement of ions. The study highlights the role of acetylcholine receptors as ion channels, which Orthosiphon thymiflorus may inhibit, averting muscle contraction. Understanding channel dynamics is crucial in pharmacology for developing drugs targeting specific physiological processes.

10) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is an ancient system of medicine originating in South India, known for its holistic approach and use of plant-based remedies. The study's context includes Siddha's relevance in recognizing the traditional uses of Orthosiphon thymiflorus, bridging the gap between ancient practices and modern pharmacological research.

11) Malaya (Mālaya):
Malaya, while references T. Malaya Gupta as one of the authors, can also refer to the historical region that included parts of present-day Malaysia. In the context of the study, it signifies collaboration among researchers, illustrating how scientific endeavors can reflect diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds in medicinal plant research.

12) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta refers to Malaya Gupta, one of the authors of the study. Authorship highlights the collaborative nature of scientific research, where contributions from various scholars enhance knowledge creation. Gupta's involvement suggests a shared commitment to exploring pharmacological effects of traditional plants like Orthosiphon thymiflorus.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Effect of Orthosiphon thymiflorus extract on skeletal muscles.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Medicinal plant, Pharmacological properties, Tirunelveli district, Phytochemical screening, Skeletal muscle contraction, Experimental Pharmacology, Dose response curve, Significant inhibitory effect, Frog ringer solution.

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