# Antispasmodic Potential of Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Authors: Abdur Rauf; Muhammad Akram; Prabhakar Semwal; Adil A. H. Mujawah; Naveed Muhammad; Zerfishan Riaz; Naveed Munir; Dmitry Piotrovsky; Irina Vdovina; Abdelhakim Bouyahya; Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji; Mohammad Ali Shariati; Zainab M. Almarhoon; Yahia N. Mabkhot; Haroon Khan
Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
 (2021)

---

## Abstract

Numerous medicinal plants have been utilized for the treatment of different types of diseases and disorders including gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. GI diseases are the most common complaints that normally affects the largest proportion of children and adolescents with overlapping clinical manifestation in diagnosis and medical needs. Drugs with antispasmodic effects are normally applied for the symptomatic treatment of contraction and cramping of smooth muscles in gastrointestinal diseases as well as in other critical clinical situations. In alternative system of medicines, the antispasmodic herbs played a significant role in the cure of GI diseases. These medicinal plants and their herbal products are used from generation to generation because of multiple nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The multiple uses might be attributed to the presence on biologically active chemical constitutes. The main aim of this review is to focus on the medicinal potential of plants possessing antispasmodic activities with their proposed mechanism of action. Several databases such as Google Scholar, Cochrane database, Scopus, and PubMed were used to search the relevant literature regarding “plants with antispasmodic activities.” This present study highlights the updated and quantified information on several medicinal plants with antispasmodic activity likeZanthoxylum armatum, Matricaria chamomilla, Foeniculum vulgare, Pycnocycla spinosa, Atropa belladonna, Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha pulegium, Glycyrrhiza ularensis, Anethum graveolens, and Origanum majorana. Moreover, recent studies on other medicinal plant species also have been included in this review article. Additionally, the study also revealed that the active compounds of all these plants possess significant spasmolytic effect which is safest, efficacious, and cost effective as compared to the available synthetic drugs.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

Gastrointestinal disorders are common types of complaints that are normally reported among children in most part of the globe. These disorders include functional abdominal pain, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infantile colic, and constipation as well as gastroenteritis and acute gastrointestinal disorder. Gastrointestinal disorders can lead to decreased life quality and increased risk of anxiety and depression [1]. These disorders are characterized by recurrent or chronic abdominal pain and in IBS associated with exacerbation or relief by defecation or change in bowel habits [2]. IBS is also associated with abnormalities of intestinal movement together with symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation and pain. People suffering from diarrhea often demonstrate symptoms such as loose, watery stool [3].IBS occurs all around the world and more common in the United Kingdom, United States, and Scandinavia than other parts of the world with prevalence rate of 40-100 per 100,000 persons and 4-10/100,000 persons per year. IBD is diagnosed most commonly in the mid of 3rd and 4th decades of life without any difference in male and female patients. Family history of IBD was found in about 25% of affected children. However, no differences have been documented with some of these factors such as gender, formula intolerance, breastfeeding, emotional stresses, or prior gastrointestinal illness in between normal and IBD affected children [4]. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is another condition of gastrointestinal abnormalities with confined inflammatory response and morphologic changes to the colon. In UC patients, inflammation is primarily limited to the mucosa, with continuous variation in severity of ulceration, hemorrhage, and edema along with the length of the colon. It has been established during histological examination that acute and chronic inflammation of the mucosa by mononuclear cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, goblet cell depletion, distortion of mucosal glands, and crypt abscesses are some of the symptom associated with UP patients [5].Another inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease) could affect part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), starting from the oropharynx to the perianal region. It has transdermal inflammation that could extend to the serosa which often results in sinus tract or fistula formation. Histological study revealed the superficial ulcerations over a Payer’s patch and extended chronic inflammation to submucosa [6]. Therefore, this review gave a comprehensive details of gastrointestinal diseases, its pathophysiology, the application of bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants, and their antispasmodic potential. Additionally, we highlighted a series of 15 traditional medicinal plants having different types of molecules as well as their pharmacological effectiveness.


## 2. Pathophysiology of Gastrointestinal Diseases

There are several mechanisms involved in pathogenesis through which gastrointestinal disorders could be established such as abnormal GI motility and impaired GI mucosa barrier with clinical symptoms of abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. The first potential mechanism is the apparently increased risk of overlaps in GI disorders that is linked to reflux. Reflux is the regurgitation of the contents of lower GIT into the upper part of GIT. Disturbed motility has been found in IBS and functional dyspepsia. Reports from several studies have been carried out to validate of the relationship that exist during functional dyspepsia, ulcerative colitis, and IBD with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) [7, 8]. Moreover, there are several muscles along the GIT which could function as gates or checkpoints which include the orbicular isoris muscle, ileocecal valve, pylorus, proventriculus, and orifice of vermiform appendix, oddi sphincters, and the anus. All these checkpoints are fixed with smooth muscle or sphincter as barrier which resists the opening and effacement challenged due to lower abdominal contents and its failure results in lower gut juice reflux to the upper GIT. Researchers revealed the fluctuation in glucose, GI hormones, and free radicals in oxidative stress in damaged smooth muscle and sphincter patients [9]. The second pathophysiologic mechanism refers to irritable GI stimulation. In GI diseases, the prevalent irritable comorbidity includes depression, anger, and emotional irritation [10]. A nationwide study conducted in Taiwan suggested that using antidepressant agents in the treatment of psychiatric patients portends that capability to increase the risk of upper GI bleeding [7, 11]. Visceral hypersensitivity can be found in irritable GI patients. Moreover, lower sensory threshold for constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain has been demonstrated in GI patients most especially those that experience climate change of weather and people that normally consume ice foods [12]. The third mechanism is the stasis of GI microcirculation. Researchers have discovered of fluctuation in catecholamine levels in functional dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, and IBS. Also, some other studies have found disturbed viscosity of blood in colitis and IBS resulting in imbalance of myogenic chemometric autoregulation which leads to the stasis of abdominal circulation [9, 13].


## 3. Traditional Medicines and Antispasmodic Medicinal Plants

Traditional medicines are used since ancient times for curing different diseases. Different parts of the plants are commonly used for the treatment of various illnesses (Tables1 and 2). Traditional medicines or natural remedies have been identified as a cost-effective method that could be applied for treatment of several diseases [14, 15]. Numerous medicinal herbs have been established to pose a minimal side effect when compared with synthetic drugs [16–18]. These natural therapeutic agents have a lower toxic effects and more economical when compared to synthetic drugs [18, 19]. Typical examples of medicinal plants that could be applied as antispasmodic agent against various GIT disorders like constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc., includes Ephedra, Datura stramonium, Solanum dulcamara, Atropa belladonna, Grindelia camporum, Hyssopus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Lobelia inflata, Marrubium vulgare, Euphorbia hirta, Coleus forskohlii, and Inula are the respiratory spasmolytic. Chamomile is an effective anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic traditional medicine used for curing bowel disorders and menstrual discomfort [19, 20]. Spasmolytic compounds are currently used to reduce anxiety, musculoskeletal tension, irritability, and emotional stress. Studies showed that the species belonging to the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae family have the antispasmodic action with highest number of isolated spasmolytic constituents. Antispasmodic herbs perform their action in different ways [21] such as through inhibition of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine via activation of potassium ATP channels, reduction of extracellular calcium, blocking of muscarine receptors, sodium channels [22, 23], calcium channels, and participation of vanilloid receptors. This is how natural products produce its spasmolytic effect. To check the antispasmodic effects of herbal drugs, variety of experimental models are used which may be the live animals or their organs. When the organ is isolated from the animal, the natural drug or crude extract is administered into it to check the intestinal motility or its action [24]. Medicinal plants are having multi-indications and are used for the treatment and management of various system of the human body [25]. Further, these natural therapeutic remedies are significant sources of various chemical constituents which might be prove new drug candidates [26, 27]. Ample of medicinal plants is used for the treatment of different GIT disorders.Table 1
An overview of antispasmodic plants, used parts, chemical constituents, and tested models.
Antispasmodic plantsCompound namePart used with solventTested modelsReferences1Glycyrrhiza uralensisGlycycoumarinRoot infusion (aqueous)Caracole in mouse jejunum[28]2Plectranthus barbatusMyrceneLeaf (MeOH)KCl, ACh, BaCl2, in guinea pig ileum[29]3Nepeta catariaGeranyl acetateLeaf (aqueous)KCl in guinea pig trachea and rat jejunum[30]4Cynara scolymusCynaropicrinLeaf, flower infusion (MeOH)ACh in guinea pig[31]5Artemisia vulgarisEzozlantoninLeaf (CHCl3)PMA, S, and H in guinea pig trachea and ileum[32]6Thymus vulgarisThymolWhole plant (ethanol)BaCl2, KCl, and ACh in rat trachea and ileum[33]7Radix aucklandiaeCostunolideRhizome (MeOH)KCl, S, and ACh in rat jejunum[34]8Allium elburzenseAgapanthageninBulb and flower infusion (hexane)H in guinea pig ileum[35]9Eucalyptus camaldulensisβ-SitosterolLeaf infusion (EtOAc)Spontaneous contraction in rabbit jejunum (KCl)[36]10Allium cepaTropeoside B1 and B2Bulbs, 9 : 1 (CHCl3:MeOH)ACh and H in guinea pig ileum[37]11Zygophyllum gaetulumZygophyloside NRoot infusion (MeOH)Isolated guinea pig ileum (electrically induced contractions)[38]12Galphimia glaucaGalphimin FLeaf infusion (MeOH)In guinea pig ileum (electrical-induced contraction)[39]13Tylophora hirsutaα-Amyrin acetateAerial parts (MeOH)KCl in rabbit jejunum[40]14Prangos ferulaceaOstholeRoot (acetone)KCl, ACh, and electric field stimulation in rat ileum[41]15Hypericum perforatumHypericinAerial parts (EtOH 70%)KCl in rabbit jejunum[42]16Pycnocycla spinosaIsovanillinAerial parts (MeOH)KCl in rat ileum[43]17Anethum graveolensDillDill fruit hydro-alcoholic extractMethacholine tracheal chains of isolated guinea pig18Matricaria recutitaChamazulenePlant infusion (aqueous)Human platelet[44]19Viburnum prunifoliumPatrinosideRoot and stem bark infusion (MeOH)Caracole in guinea pig trachea and in rat jejunum[45]21Valeriana proceraValtriateRoot infusion (EtOH)KCl, BaCl2 carbachol in guinea pig ileum and stomach[46]22Zingiber officinalePhellandreneRhizome infusionS in rat ileum[47]23Artemisia monospermaSternbinAerial part (EtOH)ACh and O in rat ileum, urinary bladder, trachea, pulmonary artery, and uterus[48]24Drosera rotundifoliaQuercetinDried aerial parts (aqueous and ethanolic extract)Guinea pig ileum[49]25Tamarindus indicaMethanolic extract of fruitsKCl-induced contraction of rabbit jejunum[50]26Moringa oleiferaNiazininSeed infusion, ethanolic extract ofMoringa oleifera leavesThe acetylcholine-induced contraction isolated guinea pig atria[51]27Matri cariarecutita L.FlavonoidsChamomile’s alcoholic extractOn isolated jejunum of rabbit[52]MeOH: methanol; CHCl3: chloroform; EtOAc: ethyl acetate; ACh: acetylcholine; BaCl2: barium chloride; KCl: potassium chloride; O: oxytocin; PMA: β-phenylethyl amsine; PGF: prostaglandin F2α; H: histamine; S: serotonin.Table 2
Antispasmodic mechanism of actions of phytomedicines.
PhytomedicinesMechanism of actionReferencesGlycyrrhiza uralensisInhibitory action of acetylcholine and histamine-induced contractions[28]Plectranthus barbatusAcetylcholine inhibition[29]Nepeta catariaCholinergic effect, calcium channel blockade[30]Cynara scolymusAcetylcholine inhibition[31]Artemisia vulgarisBlockade of muscarinic receptors and calcium influx[32]Thymus vulgarisEffect on anticholinergics and serotonergic pathways[33]Radix aucklandiaeInhibition of muscarinic receptors and calcium influx[34]Allium elburzenseDecrease the activities of methanogenesis[35]Eucalyptus camaldulensisInhibit the formation of prostaglandins and cytokines[36]Allium cepaSpasmolytic effect via calcium channels[37]Zygophyllum gaetulumInhibition of muscarinic receptor and calcium influx[38]Galphimia glaucaGABAergic effect[39]Tylophora hirsutaCalcium channel blockade[40]Prangos ferulaceaInhibit the response of KCl by calcium channel blockage[41]Hypericum perforatumReduces intestine motility[42]Pycnocycla spinosaInhibitory effect on both KCl and EFS responses[43]Anethum graveolensPotassium channel openingMatricaria recutitaCa+2 channel blockage, NO release, ACh receptors, and PKA2 activation[44]Viburnum prunifoliumEffects on cholinesterase[45]Valeriana proceraBlock the autonomic receptors, acting as musculotropic agents[46]Zingiber officinaleAntihistaminergic, antiserotonergic[47]Artemisia monospermaChanges in Ca+2 metabolism[48]Drosera rotundifoliaAffecting allosteric binding site of the muscarinic M3 receptors, inhibit neutrophil elastase[49]Tamarindus indicaCalcium channel blockade[50]Moringa oleiferaInhibited acetylcholine-induced contractions[51]Matricaria recutitaCalcium channel blockade[52]The spasmodic compounds are widely distributed in nature. However, traditional knowledge and ethno-botanical survey provides a base for screening of medicinal plants with antispasmodic potential. Therefore, in this context, we are presenting a quantified and updated information on 15 traditionally high valued medicinal plants having antispasmodic potential throughin vitro and in vivo studies along with clinical trials.


### 3.1.Matricaria chamomilla L.

Chamomile is a Greek word which means “ground apple” because it smells like apple. It is the most ancient medicinal herb and is widely used as a tea or tonic. The antispasmodic action ofM. chamomilla [53, 54] was investigated on isolated ileum of guinea pig and isolated jejunum of rabbit with significant results [55]. The chamomile essential oil is mostly used for its spasmolytic effect. The spasm induced by histamine and acetylcholine was inhibited by the German’s chamomile alcoholic extracts. On isolated jejunum of rabbit, myorelaxant effect of alcoholic extract of chamomile was assessed. Due to Ca+2 channel blockade [56] and K+ channel activation, it causes the relaxation of isolated tissue [57]. Figure 1 depicts the antispasmodic mechanism of essential oil.Figure 1
Schematic of molecular antispasmodic mechanism of essential oil. Essential oil inhibited the voltage dependent calcium ion channels and modulated the potassium ion channels and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Ca+2: calcium ions; VDCC: voltage dependent calcium channel; cGMP: cyclic guanosine monophosphate; GPCR: G protein-coupled receptor; PLC: phospholipase; cAMP: cyclic adenosine monophosphate; MLCK: myosin light chain kinase; MLCP: myosin light chain phosphatase; NO: nitric oxide.


### 3.2.Foeniculum vulgare Mill

F. vulgare commonly called fennel is a perennial herb and flowering plant with feathery leaves and yellow flowers, used in traditional medicine for many ailments. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants in the world. It has many pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory [58], antibacterial [59, 60], antispasmodic [50], apoptotic, galactagogue, emmenagogue, antioxidant [61], antifungal [62], antimicrobial, and memory enhancing property [63]. It has been established that fennel oil possess a significant antispasmodic or relaxant effect on contractions induced by methacholine tracheal chains of isolated guinea pig. This might be linked to the opening of the potassium channel. The essential oil has beneficial effects on primary dysmenorrhea, and it reduces the pain [64, 65].


### 3.3.Pycnocycla spinosa Decne

P. spinosa is undomesticated or wild plant which grows in central part of Iran [66]. The essential oil and hydro-alcoholic extracts contain saponin, alkaloids, and flavonoid-rich components having antispasmodic action and antidiarrheal action [67]. The components of P. spinosa were split by fraction separation technique to study the relaxant and spasmolytic effect of these three fractions [67, 68]. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of P. spinosa were studied on contractions induced in isolated rat ileum. These components of P. spinosa showed spasmolytic and relaxant effect and reduced or inhibited the contractions on rat ileum. The main relaxant or spasmolytic effect was shown by alkaloid-rich fraction, and their study showed that P. spinosa has the antispasmodic or relaxant effect [69].


### 3.4.Atropa belladonna L.

A. belladonna, commonly known as deadly nightshade or belladonna, is a perennial herbaceous plant which is poisonous. Its roots and leaves contain alkaloids like scopolamine atropine and hyoscyamine. Because it confuses with other berries, the risk of A. belladonna poisoning in children is significant. It is used in both homoeopathy and allopathy, so in allopathy, spasmolytic action is caused by atropine and scopolamine which is the extract of A. belladonna and is used in the treatment of colic. It blocks muscarinic receptors which causes smooth muscle relaxation. Scopolamine has potent antispasmodic effect than atropine [70, 71]. The presence of atropine in this plant is a well-known anticholinergic molecule. The antagonistic effect of atropine with muscarinic receptors produce relaxation in GIT muscle which relive spasm and cause inhibition of diarrhea.


### 3.5.Lavandula angustifolia Mill

L. angustifolia is an evergreen, fragrant, perennial shrub which needs lot of care during fertilizing, sowing, and watering. Its height is about 20 to 100 cm, and its origin is Mediterranean area, i.e., Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. This plant has an antispasmodic activity on rat uterus in vitro and ileum of guinea pig. Previously, the mechanism of action of L. angustifolia has not been studied, so the antispasmodic activity was studied on guinea pig ileum in vitro. The mechanism of action of L. angustifolia was postsynaptic and not atropine-like. The spasmolytic effect of lavender oil was most probably to be transmitted through cAMP and not through cGMP. It has been studied that linalool is one of lavender’s major bioactive constituent which has antispasmodic activity [72–74].


### 3.6.Mentha pulegium L.

M. pulegium is a small plant having dark green or gray leaves. It is locally known as squaw mint or pudding grass or mosquito plant. The plant is known with tubular flowers form summer to autumn. It is also used in Mexican traditional system for the GIT disorders. The essential oil of this plant is highly toxic. The various solvent extracts of M. pulegium have been tested for the antispasmodic effect on isolated rat ileum. A significant relaxant effect of the rat intestinal isolated tissues has been published. The dichloromethane fraction was significant spasmolytic due to the antagonistic effect on calcium channels. The study clearly proved that the species of Mentha showed antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles [75].


### 3.7.Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.

This plant is locally known as Chinese liquorice, and the underground part is used as antispasmodic. One of the chemicals constitutes ofG. uralensis is significant antispasmodic studies reported that glycycoumarin which was isolated from the G. uralensis has the antispasmodic activity for carbamylcholine (CCh) induced contractions in jejunum of mouse because it inhibits the phosphodiesterase-III which have inotropic and vasodilative effect. Isoliquiritigenin which is another component of G. uralensis was also found as a potent relaxant for KCl, BaCl2, and CCh induced contraction, but the amount of isoliquiritigenin was very less in the aqueous extract of G. uralensis. So, it was treated with naringinase which increases the amount of isoliquiritigenin and triggered strong antispasmodic activity [76–78].


### 3.8.Anethum graveolens L.

A. graveolens (family Apiaceae) has species that produces dill oil which has fragrant smell and used for lot of disorders [29]. The common ethno-pharmacological uses are antispasmodic and antihiccup in infants. It has muscle relaxant, antiemetic, and anticonvulsant effects. In addition to these folklore, it is also practiced for the treatment of menstrual problems [79, 80]. It reduces flatulence, stomachache, and indigestion [81]. In primary dysmenorrhea, it reduces the pain and has the relaxant effect [82]. Quercetin, rutin, flavonoids, isorhamnetin, and their derivatives are present in dill which is confirmed on phytochemical analysis [83, 84]. The antispasmodic effect on isolated rat ileum is produced by the quercetin and rutin constituents present in dill extract [85].


### 3.9.Origanum majorana L.

O. majorana is a perennial herbaceous plant and commonly used for the treatment of GIT problems such as stomachache, headache, cold, and fever [25]. Several studies have confirmed its pharmacological properties like antiproliferative [86], antimutagenic [87], antimicrobial [88, 89], antispasmodic [90], antithrombin [91], and antihyperglycemic [92]. Organic fractions of O. majorana such as ether, ethyl acetate, petroleum, aqueous extract, methanol, and dichloromethane were investigated for its spasmolytic effect. All these fractions showed significant antispasmodic action especially dichloromethane fraction which has the myorelaxant effect on the isolated jejunum of rabbit.


### 3.10.Ficus carica L.

Ficus carica various parts such as fruits, roots, and latex are used in the traditional system. The major chemical metabolites of this medicinal plant are ferulic acid, coumarin, lupeol acetate, sitosterol and other metals, salt and gum, etc. [93]. The ethno-pharmacological uses of F. carica include as antitussive, anti-inflammative, appetizer, and antianemic. It is also used locally for the treatment of TB, leprosy, antibacterial, and constipating agent. The plant is also cytotoxic, mild laxative, expectorant, diuretic, and anthelmintic [94]. Antispasmodic activity of F. carica has been reported. The aqueous-ethanol extract of this plant was studied. Isolated rabbit jejunum preparations were used for experimental study. Plant extract at dose of 0.1-3.0 mg/mL produced relaxation. Researchers have reported that spasmolytic potential of plant extract is exerted through the activation of K (+) (ATP) channels [28].


### 3.11.Satureja hortensis L.

The major chemical constitutes ofS. hortensis are carvacrol, terpinene, thymol, and cymene [95]. This medicinal plant is practice locally for the treatment of digestive issues, menstrual problem, respiratory infection, and Helicobacter pylori [96]. The biological potentials of this plant include carminative, astringent, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, and expectorant. Antispasmodic effect of S. hortensis’s essential oil in comparison with atropine and dicyclomine has been reported. S. hortensis was evaluated for its antispasmodic activity in the contractions of isolated ileum induced by KCl and acetylcholine. The plant extract exhibited dose-dependent response. There was no significant difference in efficacy of S. hortensis and dicyclomine. Dicyclomine at dose of 3.46 and 34.6 microgram/mL was able to reduce acetylcholine response on rat-isolated ileum. Atropine also inhibited response to acetylcholine. Their study established that S. hortensis extract has relaxant activity that is evident in isolated ileum in rats [42].


### 3.12.Acorus calamus L.

A. calamus is a very import medicinal plant and used for various disorders, and the major chemical molecules of this plant are alpha-asarone, calamine, methyl isoeugenol, and methyleugenol along with volatile and essential oil [97]. Locally, this plant is used in memory, vascular, and skin problems. This plant is also used for the treatment of digestive- and nervous-related problem [97]. The pharmacological activities of this plant include antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antipyretic, antiemetic, expectorant, carminative, tranquillizer, and antibacterial [98]. Spasmolytic potential of A. calamus exerted through calcium channel blockage has been reported. Antispasmodic activity of crude extract of A. calamus has been conducted using isolated rabbit jejunum preparation. High K+ (80 mm) induced contractions were inhibited by use of A. calamus and showed antispasmodic activity. Furthermore, tissues were pretreated with plant extract that caused rightward shift in the Ca+2 dose-response curves. This effect was similar to standard calcium channel blockers such as verapamil. Further fractionation activity indicated that n-hexane fraction is more potent than ethyl acetate fraction. This study indicated that antispasmodic activity of A. calamus [99].


### 3.13.Calendula officinalis L.

TheC. officinalis is used for various ailments. Typical examples of the biological constituents present in this plants include calendulin, coumarin, loliolide, and carotenoids [45]. C. officinalis is used for various problems such as burn, bleeding of hemorrhoids, fever, cramps, and diabetic foot. It showed hepatoprotective, nephronprotecive, antiedematous, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential [100]. The flowers of C. officinalis also possess antispasmodic properties. The aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. officinalis was used for antispasmodic activity against isolated gut preparations. The plant extract exhibited dose-dependent (0.03-3.0 mg/mL) relaxation activity in rabbit jejunum. Relaxation activity was mediated via calcium channel blockade [101].


### 3.14.Carum carvi L.

The seeds ofC. carvi possess the following chemical constitutes such as limonene, carvone, and apioe [102]. This plant is used in GIT problems as well as hysteria and convulsion [103]. Its pharmacological activities are carminative, stimulant, aromatic, stomachic, and appetite suppressor [104]. The relaxant potential of alcoholic extract of C. carvi on dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig has been reported. Ethanolic extract of C. carvi was used against dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMC) of guinea pigs. Micrometric scanning technique was used for assessment of efficacy of C. carvi extract on smooth muscle cells and efficacy of acetylcholine on extract pretreated smooth muscle cells. Extracts were used in three different doses (2.5 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL, and 25 mg/mL). Extract was able to reduce the response of dispersed smooth muscle cell to acetylcholine. Smooth muscle cells were pretreated with highest concentration extracts that exhibited less response to acetylcholine. This study indicated the beneficial effects of caraway in reliving gastrointestinal symptoms associated with dyspepsia [105].


### 3.15.Psidium guajava L.

TheP. guajava possess the following chemical constituents such as alpha-pinene, cineol, terpinol, ledol, delinene, ellagic acid, and quercetin [106]. The folklore of this plant is antidiarrheal, anticancer, and antibacterial [33]. The pharmacological activities of P. guajava include antispasmodic, antibacterial, and antidysenteric [107]. Antispasmodic potential of the phyto-drug of P. guajava folia has been reported. Lozoya and his colleagues performed randomized, double-blind, clinical trials to investigate the potential of a phyto-drug (QG-5) developed from this plant. A total of 50 number of patients (with acute diarrhea) were treated with drug orally (500 mg) up to three days, and capsule was given after every 8 hours. There was significant reduction in frequency of abdominal pain in patients taking P. guajava product [108].There is a limited number of data available on the basis of clinical trials conducted on antispasmodic potential of plants, and it is considered as the weakness of the review. Hence, there is a need for more in-depth researches and clinical trials to understand the potential of these substances, and natural-derived products are also recommended.


## 3.1.Matricaria chamomilla L.

Chamomile is a Greek word which means “ground apple” because it smells like apple. It is the most ancient medicinal herb and is widely used as a tea or tonic. The antispasmodic action ofM. chamomilla [53, 54] was investigated on isolated ileum of guinea pig and isolated jejunum of rabbit with significant results [55]. The chamomile essential oil is mostly used for its spasmolytic effect. The spasm induced by histamine and acetylcholine was inhibited by the German’s chamomile alcoholic extracts. On isolated jejunum of rabbit, myorelaxant effect of alcoholic extract of chamomile was assessed. Due to Ca+2 channel blockade [56] and K+ channel activation, it causes the relaxation of isolated tissue [57]. Figure 1 depicts the antispasmodic mechanism of essential oil.Figure 1
Schematic of molecular antispasmodic mechanism of essential oil. Essential oil inhibited the voltage dependent calcium ion channels and modulated the potassium ion channels and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Ca+2: calcium ions; VDCC: voltage dependent calcium channel; cGMP: cyclic guanosine monophosphate; GPCR: G protein-coupled receptor; PLC: phospholipase; cAMP: cyclic adenosine monophosphate; MLCK: myosin light chain kinase; MLCP: myosin light chain phosphatase; NO: nitric oxide.


## 3.2.Foeniculum vulgare Mill

F. vulgare commonly called fennel is a perennial herb and flowering plant with feathery leaves and yellow flowers, used in traditional medicine for many ailments. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants in the world. It has many pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory [58], antibacterial [59, 60], antispasmodic [50], apoptotic, galactagogue, emmenagogue, antioxidant [61], antifungal [62], antimicrobial, and memory enhancing property [63]. It has been established that fennel oil possess a significant antispasmodic or relaxant effect on contractions induced by methacholine tracheal chains of isolated guinea pig. This might be linked to the opening of the potassium channel. The essential oil has beneficial effects on primary dysmenorrhea, and it reduces the pain [64, 65].


## 3.3.Pycnocycla spinosa Decne

P. spinosa is undomesticated or wild plant which grows in central part of Iran [66]. The essential oil and hydro-alcoholic extracts contain saponin, alkaloids, and flavonoid-rich components having antispasmodic action and antidiarrheal action [67]. The components of P. spinosa were split by fraction separation technique to study the relaxant and spasmolytic effect of these three fractions [67, 68]. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of P. spinosa were studied on contractions induced in isolated rat ileum. These components of P. spinosa showed spasmolytic and relaxant effect and reduced or inhibited the contractions on rat ileum. The main relaxant or spasmolytic effect was shown by alkaloid-rich fraction, and their study showed that P. spinosa has the antispasmodic or relaxant effect [69].


## 3.4.Atropa belladonna L.

A. belladonna, commonly known as deadly nightshade or belladonna, is a perennial herbaceous plant which is poisonous. Its roots and leaves contain alkaloids like scopolamine atropine and hyoscyamine. Because it confuses with other berries, the risk of A. belladonna poisoning in children is significant. It is used in both homoeopathy and allopathy, so in allopathy, spasmolytic action is caused by atropine and scopolamine which is the extract of A. belladonna and is used in the treatment of colic. It blocks muscarinic receptors which causes smooth muscle relaxation. Scopolamine has potent antispasmodic effect than atropine [70, 71]. The presence of atropine in this plant is a well-known anticholinergic molecule. The antagonistic effect of atropine with muscarinic receptors produce relaxation in GIT muscle which relive spasm and cause inhibition of diarrhea.


## 3.5.Lavandula angustifolia Mill

L. angustifolia is an evergreen, fragrant, perennial shrub which needs lot of care during fertilizing, sowing, and watering. Its height is about 20 to 100 cm, and its origin is Mediterranean area, i.e., Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. This plant has an antispasmodic activity on rat uterus in vitro and ileum of guinea pig. Previously, the mechanism of action of L. angustifolia has not been studied, so the antispasmodic activity was studied on guinea pig ileum in vitro. The mechanism of action of L. angustifolia was postsynaptic and not atropine-like. The spasmolytic effect of lavender oil was most probably to be transmitted through cAMP and not through cGMP. It has been studied that linalool is one of lavender’s major bioactive constituent which has antispasmodic activity [72–74].


## 3.6.Mentha pulegium L.

M. pulegium is a small plant having dark green or gray leaves. It is locally known as squaw mint or pudding grass or mosquito plant. The plant is known with tubular flowers form summer to autumn. It is also used in Mexican traditional system for the GIT disorders. The essential oil of this plant is highly toxic. The various solvent extracts of M. pulegium have been tested for the antispasmodic effect on isolated rat ileum. A significant relaxant effect of the rat intestinal isolated tissues has been published. The dichloromethane fraction was significant spasmolytic due to the antagonistic effect on calcium channels. The study clearly proved that the species of Mentha showed antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles [75].


## 3.7.Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.

This plant is locally known as Chinese liquorice, and the underground part is used as antispasmodic. One of the chemicals constitutes ofG. uralensis is significant antispasmodic studies reported that glycycoumarin which was isolated from the G. uralensis has the antispasmodic activity for carbamylcholine (CCh) induced contractions in jejunum of mouse because it inhibits the phosphodiesterase-III which have inotropic and vasodilative effect. Isoliquiritigenin which is another component of G. uralensis was also found as a potent relaxant for KCl, BaCl2, and CCh induced contraction, but the amount of isoliquiritigenin was very less in the aqueous extract of G. uralensis. So, it was treated with naringinase which increases the amount of isoliquiritigenin and triggered strong antispasmodic activity [76–78].


## 3.8.Anethum graveolens L.

A. graveolens (family Apiaceae) has species that produces dill oil which has fragrant smell and used for lot of disorders [29]. The common ethno-pharmacological uses are antispasmodic and antihiccup in infants. It has muscle relaxant, antiemetic, and anticonvulsant effects. In addition to these folklore, it is also practiced for the treatment of menstrual problems [79, 80]. It reduces flatulence, stomachache, and indigestion [81]. In primary dysmenorrhea, it reduces the pain and has the relaxant effect [82]. Quercetin, rutin, flavonoids, isorhamnetin, and their derivatives are present in dill which is confirmed on phytochemical analysis [83, 84]. The antispasmodic effect on isolated rat ileum is produced by the quercetin and rutin constituents present in dill extract [85].


## 3.9.Origanum majorana L.

O. majorana is a perennial herbaceous plant and commonly used for the treatment of GIT problems such as stomachache, headache, cold, and fever [25]. Several studies have confirmed its pharmacological properties like antiproliferative [86], antimutagenic [87], antimicrobial [88, 89], antispasmodic [90], antithrombin [91], and antihyperglycemic [92]. Organic fractions of O. majorana such as ether, ethyl acetate, petroleum, aqueous extract, methanol, and dichloromethane were investigated for its spasmolytic effect. All these fractions showed significant antispasmodic action especially dichloromethane fraction which has the myorelaxant effect on the isolated jejunum of rabbit.


## 3.10.Ficus carica L.

Ficus carica various parts such as fruits, roots, and latex are used in the traditional system. The major chemical metabolites of this medicinal plant are ferulic acid, coumarin, lupeol acetate, sitosterol and other metals, salt and gum, etc. [93]. The ethno-pharmacological uses of F. carica include as antitussive, anti-inflammative, appetizer, and antianemic. It is also used locally for the treatment of TB, leprosy, antibacterial, and constipating agent. The plant is also cytotoxic, mild laxative, expectorant, diuretic, and anthelmintic [94]. Antispasmodic activity of F. carica has been reported. The aqueous-ethanol extract of this plant was studied. Isolated rabbit jejunum preparations were used for experimental study. Plant extract at dose of 0.1-3.0 mg/mL produced relaxation. Researchers have reported that spasmolytic potential of plant extract is exerted through the activation of K (+) (ATP) channels [28].


## 3.11.Satureja hortensis L.

The major chemical constitutes ofS. hortensis are carvacrol, terpinene, thymol, and cymene [95]. This medicinal plant is practice locally for the treatment of digestive issues, menstrual problem, respiratory infection, and Helicobacter pylori [96]. The biological potentials of this plant include carminative, astringent, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, and expectorant. Antispasmodic effect of S. hortensis’s essential oil in comparison with atropine and dicyclomine has been reported. S. hortensis was evaluated for its antispasmodic activity in the contractions of isolated ileum induced by KCl and acetylcholine. The plant extract exhibited dose-dependent response. There was no significant difference in efficacy of S. hortensis and dicyclomine. Dicyclomine at dose of 3.46 and 34.6 microgram/mL was able to reduce acetylcholine response on rat-isolated ileum. Atropine also inhibited response to acetylcholine. Their study established that S. hortensis extract has relaxant activity that is evident in isolated ileum in rats [42].


## 3.12.Acorus calamus L.

A. calamus is a very import medicinal plant and used for various disorders, and the major chemical molecules of this plant are alpha-asarone, calamine, methyl isoeugenol, and methyleugenol along with volatile and essential oil [97]. Locally, this plant is used in memory, vascular, and skin problems. This plant is also used for the treatment of digestive- and nervous-related problem [97]. The pharmacological activities of this plant include antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antipyretic, antiemetic, expectorant, carminative, tranquillizer, and antibacterial [98]. Spasmolytic potential of A. calamus exerted through calcium channel blockage has been reported. Antispasmodic activity of crude extract of A. calamus has been conducted using isolated rabbit jejunum preparation. High K+ (80 mm) induced contractions were inhibited by use of A. calamus and showed antispasmodic activity. Furthermore, tissues were pretreated with plant extract that caused rightward shift in the Ca+2 dose-response curves. This effect was similar to standard calcium channel blockers such as verapamil. Further fractionation activity indicated that n-hexane fraction is more potent than ethyl acetate fraction. This study indicated that antispasmodic activity of A. calamus [99].


## 3.13.Calendula officinalis L.

TheC. officinalis is used for various ailments. Typical examples of the biological constituents present in this plants include calendulin, coumarin, loliolide, and carotenoids [45]. C. officinalis is used for various problems such as burn, bleeding of hemorrhoids, fever, cramps, and diabetic foot. It showed hepatoprotective, nephronprotecive, antiedematous, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential [100]. The flowers of C. officinalis also possess antispasmodic properties. The aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. officinalis was used for antispasmodic activity against isolated gut preparations. The plant extract exhibited dose-dependent (0.03-3.0 mg/mL) relaxation activity in rabbit jejunum. Relaxation activity was mediated via calcium channel blockade [101].


## 3.14.Carum carvi L.

The seeds ofC. carvi possess the following chemical constitutes such as limonene, carvone, and apioe [102]. This plant is used in GIT problems as well as hysteria and convulsion [103]. Its pharmacological activities are carminative, stimulant, aromatic, stomachic, and appetite suppressor [104]. The relaxant potential of alcoholic extract of C. carvi on dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig has been reported. Ethanolic extract of C. carvi was used against dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMC) of guinea pigs. Micrometric scanning technique was used for assessment of efficacy of C. carvi extract on smooth muscle cells and efficacy of acetylcholine on extract pretreated smooth muscle cells. Extracts were used in three different doses (2.5 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL, and 25 mg/mL). Extract was able to reduce the response of dispersed smooth muscle cell to acetylcholine. Smooth muscle cells were pretreated with highest concentration extracts that exhibited less response to acetylcholine. This study indicated the beneficial effects of caraway in reliving gastrointestinal symptoms associated with dyspepsia [105].


## 3.15.Psidium guajava L.

TheP. guajava possess the following chemical constituents such as alpha-pinene, cineol, terpinol, ledol, delinene, ellagic acid, and quercetin [106]. The folklore of this plant is antidiarrheal, anticancer, and antibacterial [33]. The pharmacological activities of P. guajava include antispasmodic, antibacterial, and antidysenteric [107]. Antispasmodic potential of the phyto-drug of P. guajava folia has been reported. Lozoya and his colleagues performed randomized, double-blind, clinical trials to investigate the potential of a phyto-drug (QG-5) developed from this plant. A total of 50 number of patients (with acute diarrhea) were treated with drug orally (500 mg) up to three days, and capsule was given after every 8 hours. There was significant reduction in frequency of abdominal pain in patients taking P. guajava product [108].There is a limited number of data available on the basis of clinical trials conducted on antispasmodic potential of plants, and it is considered as the weakness of the review. Hence, there is a need for more in-depth researches and clinical trials to understand the potential of these substances, and natural-derived products are also recommended.


## 4. Current Updates: At a Glance

A part from this, recently, few authors also demonstrated the antispasmodic potential of other plants and regarding this from Algeria, reported about the inflammatory activity, antispasmodic activity, and healing activity ofJuglans regia L. using in vivo models [109]. The Carrageenan-induced paw edema test, acetic acid-induced endogenous spasm test, and the healing effects were performed. The results indicated that plant extract possesses strong anti-inflammatory (extract: 25% and diclofenac: 31%), antianalgesic (extract: 60% and Spasfon: 83%), and healing (extract: 7 days and madecassol: 9 days) properties when compared with the control [109]. The detailed investigation on antispasmodic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects of medicinal plant (Schinus lentiscifolius) from Argentina has been documented [110]. The plant bioactive compound (S. lentiscifolius tincture) displayed concentration-dependent antispasmodic activity in intestinal muscle (IC50: 6.32 mg SchT/mL), bladder (IC50: 2.63 mg SchT/mL), and uterus (IC50: 4.05 mg SchT/mL) with a noncompetitive antagonism on the cholinergic contraction [110].Digas colic drops (DCD-684), a poly herbal formulation of five different medicinal plants (Carum carvi L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Mentha arvensis L., Mentha piperita L., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe), were evaluated for their spasmolytic effects (spontaneous and precontracted tissues). DCD-684 showed spasmolytic effects on both spontaneous (IC50: 0.75%) and KCl-induced contractions (IC50: 1.6%), respectively. The DCD-684 demonstrated synergistic effects due to the presence of different bioactive compounds and its proposed molecular mechanism of action governed by muscarinic and/or nicotinic receptors, serotonergic histaminergic, along with calcium channel blocking mechanisms [111]. While in another study, Parcha et al. reported about the papaverine (isolated from Papaver somniferum) and its synergistic effects with known drug imatinib against chronic myeloid leukemia [112].The spasmolytic activity of polyherbal formulations of three plant species (Apium graveolens L., Helicteres isora L., Mentha piperita L.) was evaluated on guinea pig ileum model. The results indicated that polyherbal formulations displayed significant reduction of spasm induced by acetyl choline, nicotine, and histamine in guinea pig ileum. Additionally, intestinal motility in mice also inhibited by the polyherbal formulation and proposed molecular mechanism governed by the inhibition of muscarinic, nicotinic, and histamine receptors [113]. The plant extract of Nephelium lappaceum L. was evaluated for spasmolytic activity against isolated chicken ileum. The acetylcholine and histamine were used to trigger the contractile response, and atropine, mepyramine, and plant extract were used to reduce the intestinal contractions. The plant extract showed antimotility and antispasmodic properties by blocking the acetylcholine and histamine [114]. Additionally, few other authors also describe the antispasmodic potential of plant species from different regions [115–125].The antispasmodic therapeutic agents are the remedies that could lead to higher level of relive the spam of GIT muscle and also attenuating the liquid component of GIT to block diarrhea. The spasm is induced by the stimulation of cholinergic/muscarinic, opioids, and histaminic receptors. These receptors are present in the GIT as well as in other body parts. The stimulation of cholinergic receptors (M1, M3, and M5) leading to stimulate the intracellular signaling up to activation of PKA and PKC. Both of these kinase enzymes stimulate the calcium channel and increasing intracellular calcium by increasing the calcium influx. The intracellular calcium is also increasing by the opening of calcium gates at ER and release calcium to the cytoplasm. This increased calcium level interacts with smooth muscle (SM) and causes full contraction which also produce diarrhea. This is the basic mechanism in the antispasmodic experiments. In the above discussion of medicinal plants showing antispasmodic action, the plant constituents or the extract/fraction blocked these receptors. Once these receptors are blocked, the cAMP level will significantly drop, and PKA/PKC will inhibited resulting decrease intracellular calcium. This decrease calcium level is now not sufficient to contract the SM but will lead to relaxation of SM. This relaxant effect on SM is known as antispasmodic effect or antidiarrheal effect. In this experiment, calcium is used for the induction of spasm in SM keeping in mind the above mechanism. Some researcher uses histamine for contraction of SM because histamine stimulate the H1 or H2 receptors. Both of these receptors are stimulatory and increasing the cAMP level which keep on PKA stimulated. This stimulated kinase increases calcium influx and causes contraction. Various plants inhibited this histamine induced contraction due to antagonistic effect on H1 or H2 receptors. In case of opioid receptor stimulation, the intracellular signaling is different from the above mechanism because opioid receptors are inhibitory receptors, so the stimulation of these inhibitory receptors will decrease the cAMP level, but the dimer of beta and gamma will stimulate the potassium channel leading to potassium efflux. This cation efflux will cause depolarization, and the SM will relax. Morphine is one of the major constituent of opium plant which causes agonistic effect on opioid receptors. In the antispasmodic experiments, the potassium is used to check the inhibitory phenomenon.


## 5. Conclusion

It might be concluded on the basis of obtained information that the spasmodic pain can be treated by traditional natural medicines which are effective, safe, and economical. Under this review, many plant species have been identified that reduces the spasmodic pain with low toxicity and side effects. The recent research data supports the use of herbal medicines for treatment of variety of ailments. Hence, more work is being carried out to identify the potential antispasmodic effect of different plant species which deserves more awareness in terms ofin vivo and clinical trial studies. The detailed literature analysis of medicinal plants could be the rich source of antispasmodic compounds and opened up new areas for researchers and scholars in this field. Therefore, further pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics along with clinical trials should be carried out to validate the efficacy and reveal the safety profile of traditional medicines to manage spasmodic disorders.



---

*Source: 4889719-2021-11-11.xml*