Several Chromatographically Distinct Fractions of Desmodium adscendens Inhibit Smooth Muscle Contractions

Abstract

Liquid chromatography was used to fractionate the crude aqueous extract of Desmodium adscendens, a plant shown to be anti-anaphylactic and used locally for the treatment of asthma. Inhibition of electrically-induced contraction of ileal pieces was used to follow the activity of the fractions. Several chromatographically distinct active fractions were isolated and found to inhibit ovalbumin-, histarnine- and carbachol-induced contraction of guinea pig airway tissue in vim. There were quantitative and qualitative differences in the inhibition observed for the various active fractions. Preliminary characterization of the active components in one of the fractions suggests the presence of triterpenoid saponins.