Abstract
The spasmolytic properties of the aqueous extract of Aframomum melegueta (K Schum) and Citrus aurantifolia (Christm and Panzer) (AMCA) mixture were tested on isolated rat trachea. Inhibition of the contraction was observed the in presence of the AMCA (EC 50 = 1.80 ± 0.48 mg/mL) after a pre contraction of the trachea by acetylcholine (10⁻⁵ M). With propranolol (10⁻⁶ M), the spasmolytic activity of the mixture was inhibited and the concentration-response curve shifted to the right. The EC50 value was then 2.60 ± 0.41 mg/mL. AMCA also inhibited contraction induced by KCl (4.10⁻² M) with EC50 value = 1.86 ± 0.65 mg/mL. These results clearly show the relaxing effect of the aqueous extract on the isolated rat trachea. This effect involved some β-adrenergic receptor inhibition.