Evaluation of the effects of Astragalus fasciculifolius hydroalcoholic extract on rat ileum contractions: The role of adrenergic, opioid, and nitric oxide receptors

This study aimed to determine the effects of Astragalus fasciculifolius hydroalcoholic extract on rat ileum contractions: The role of adrenergic, opioid, and nitric oxide (NO) receptors.  A. fasciculifolius extract was prepared using 70% alcohol by maceration extraction. 2 cm pieces from the end of the rat ileum were placed in a tissue bath containing Tyrode’s solution. The tissue bath solution is constantly oxygenated. Potassium chloride (KCl), naloxone, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), propranolol, and different concentrations of calcium chloride were used to stimulate the ileum. Ileum contractions were recorded isotonically under 1 g of initial tension. The results were calculated as the amount of shortening (in millimeters).  This study showed that A. fasciculifolius extract caused a significant increase in ileum contraction compared to the control group (P < 0.001). This increase in contraction was amplified in combination with opioid or NO receptor antagonists (P < 0.001). Also, this effect was not significantly different in association with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists.  The results of this study showed that A. fasciculifolius extract enhances the contractile function of the ileum in rats. This function is reinforced by opioid receptor antagonists and NO.