Effects of Nigella sativa Seeds on Intestinal Smooth Muscle

Abstract

The spasmolytic effects of an ethanol extract and the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds were tested in vitro using isolated segments of rabbit jejunum. The ethanol extract and volatile oil inhibited spontaneous movements of the rabbit jejunum. Also, the volatile oil inhibited contractions of the rabbit jejunum which were induced by high potasium (K+) solution or acetylcholine. This inhibition was dose-dependent, reversible and not affected by the addition of calcium to the organ bath. These data suggest that the plant seed has an antispasmodic effect, possibly due to a calcium antagonistic activity.