Effect of Angelica archangelica methanol extract on gastrointestinal motility in mice

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of a methanol extract of Angelica archangelica (AAME) on gastrointestinal motility in mice, focusing on intestinal transit (IT) and gastric emptying (GE). The extract exhibited a modest stimulatory effect on both processes, offering potential for its use in conditions characterized by constipation or gastroparesis . AA ME induced a small increase in intestinal contraction, with a mean increase ranging from 61.38 ± 3.49% to 65.53 ± 0.38% across tested doses 100,200,400mg/kg Compared with the control group CMC 1.5% showed 55.06 ± 2.75%, with P > 0.05. Pre-treatment with atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, partially reduced this effect, suggesting muscarinic receptors are not involved. Interestingly, Yohimbine, an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist, surprisingly potentiated the extract's inhibitory effect on IT 52.82 ± 4.76% with yohimbine vs control: 55.06 ± 2.75%, P > 0.05. Notably, the extract's effect on IT was influenced by either L-NNA (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) or indomethacin (COX pathway) suggesting the involvement of NOS and COX in the mechanism of working of the extract. In the same way of effect on IT, A AME caused a slight increase in GE, with treated mice exhibiting a mean range of 80.24 ± 1.98% to 84.68 ± 2.40% compared to the control group 77.14 ± 1.79%, P>0.05. Pre-treatment with either Yohimbine or Atropine significantly reduced GE induced by the extract. L-Arginine and L-NNA, regulators of nitric oxide production, led to decreases in GE 38.09 ± 4.99% and 34.03 ± 9.04% respectively mirroring their individual effects, indicating the extract's potential impact on this pathway. Indomethacin, a COX inhibitor, also reduced GE 44.25 ± 3.92%, with a slightly enhanced effect when combined with the extract 43.11 ± 3.91%). This study highlights the potential biphasic effect of AAME on gastrointestinal motility. The extract's mild stimulatory effect on both IT (mean increase of 61.38%-65.53%) and GE (mean increase of 80.24%-84.68%), coupled with the involvement of muscarinic and alpha-adrenergic receptors, warrants further investigation into its therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal disorders.