The spasmolytic activity of the pomegranate

Extracts from the rind of Punica granatum (Pg. Cr.) or the pomegranate has previously been proven to have spasmolytic properties. In a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a different team of researchers sought to reveal the exact mechanisms that made this effect possible.

• The researchers conducted their experiments on rabbit jejunal preparations, to which they administered different doses of Pg. Cr. (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/mL), which revealed that the extract actually had spasmogenic effects instead. Suspecting the involvement of the stomach’s histaminergic and cholinergic receptors, they tested the extract in the presence of atropine (0.03 micro-M) and loratadine (0.03 micro-M).
• To explore the extract’s mode of action, the researchers constructed Calcium Concentration-Response Curves (CCRCs) which revealed either the presence or absence of Pg. Cr. test samples in decalcified tissue.
• Other factors examined were the extract’s phytochemical content and its acute toxicity.
• Findings indicated that the administration of histaminergic and cholinergic antagonists (atropine and loratadine) manifested the Pg. Cr.’s spasmolytic properties, confirming the researchers’ theory. It was also found that higher doses inhibited spams.
• The extract is safe up to a dosage of 100mg/kg. It was noted to contain saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids, but not alkaloids and triterpenoids.

The researchers concluded that Pg. Cr.’s spasmolytic action was the result of the inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels.

Find the full text of this study at this link.

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Journal Reference:

Ali N, Jamil A, Shah SWA, Shah I, Ahmed G. SPASMOGENIC AND SPASMOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF RIND OF PUNICA GRANATUM LINN. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;17(1). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1616-4