In vitro effects of Spigelia anthelmia extracts on experimentally isolated guinea pig ileum

Abstract

This experiment was undertaken to determine the in vitro effects of aqueous extracts of Spigelia anthelmia L (a local anthelmintic plant) on experimentally isolated guinea pig ileum, with a view to establishing its likely anthelmintic effect on nematodes. The extract induced concentrationdependent contractile responses similar to that produced by acetylcholine on isolated guinea pig
ileum. The contractions produced by the extract were antagonised by atropine but not by mepyramine. It was concluded that the anthelmintic mechanism of action of Spigelia anthelmia is most probably due to paralysis of the worms.