Planta Med 1994; 60(6): 521-526
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-959563
Papers

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Six Marine Microalgae on Smooth Muscle Contraction in Rat Duodenum and Vas Deferens

R. Villar, M. R. Laguna, I. Cadavid, J. M. Calleja
  • Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia e Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15706 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
Further Information

Publication History

1994

1994

Publication Date:
05 January 2007 (online)

Abstract

We report the effects of aqueous extracts of six marine microalgae on responses to various contractile agents in isolated rat duodenum (acetylcholine, calcium chloride, barium chloride) and vas deferens (noradrenaline). Our results suggest that only extracts of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Skeletonema costatum, and Chlorella stigmatophora may have pharmacological potential. Extracts of these three species had spasmolytic effects on responses to the three contractile agents in duodenum. In vas deferens, P. tricornutum and C. stigmatophora inhibited the contractions induced by noradrenaline, whilst S. costatum showed a non-dose-dependent potentiation. With the aim of elucidating their mechanisms of action, we are attempting to isolate the active principles present in these extracts.

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