Activation of M3 muscarinic receptor and Ca2+ influx by crude fraction from Crotonis Fructus in isolated rabbit jejunum

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Crotonis Fructus is the mature fruit of Croton tiglium L (Euphorbiaceae), which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, such as constipation, abdominal pain, peptic ulcer, and intestinal inflammation for thousands of years. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effect of extracts and fractions from Crotonis Fructus on GI tract. Materials and methods: The activities of methanol extract and fractions from Crotonis Fructus on the smooth muscle contractions were evaluated using isolated rabbit jejunum model. Results: The results suggest that the n-BuOH and H2O fractions showed spasmolytic activity, while the MeOH extract, PE and EtOAc fractions exerted spasmogenic effect. Moreover, bioassay-guided fractionation verified that the EtOAc fraction was more potent than others, followed by PE fraction and methanol extract. Additionally, atropine (10 mu M), 4-DAMP (10 mu M) and verapamil (0.1 mu M) produced a significant inhibition of contractions caused by EtOAc fraction, while either hexamethonium (10 p,M) or methoctramine (10 p,M) was inactive. Additionally, a HPLC fingerprint of EtOAc fraction was appraised to ensure its chemical consistency and the main component has been identified as phorbol 12-acetate-13-tiglate. Conclusions: These data indicate that the regulatory effect of EtOAc fraction on GI motility are medicated via the activation of M3 muscarinic receptor and Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channel. These provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of Crotonis Fructus in GI disorders. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.