| dc.description.abstract | Crinum macowanii (CM) is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases including ischemic heart disease, rheumatic fever, cancer and skin diseases. The aqueous extract of CM bulbs was found have a positive inotropic effect similar to the one of adrenaline in normotensive rats. After the extraction of CM bulbs four fractions were collected, (1:4), (2:3), (3:2) and (4:1), from ethyl actetate: hexane as an eluent. The (1:4) further using PLC and the major band used for the experiments. Structure elucidation was further carried out on the major band isolated and a new alkaloid was identified from the bulbs of CM. The major aim of the study was to test the alkaloid isolated on the "double sided" working heart system. The parameters to be assessed were coronary flow (Qe), aortic output (Qa), cardiac output (CO), systolic and diastolic pressure (SP/DP), pulse pressure and heart rate (Hr). Wistar rats weighing between 250-350g were used. The hearts were isolated and perfused using Krebs Henseleit solution on the "double sided" working heart system. The parameters were monitored through a pressure transducer connected to a power lab and a computer. The Qe, Qa, CO, SP/DP, Pulse pressure and Hr reduced significantly when lycorinone (the proposed name given to the new alkaloid extracted from Crinium macowanii) was used at the concentrations of 0.005μg and 0.05μg. Further studies are recommended for the verification of the mechanism of action of lycorinone (negative chronotropic and negative inotropic effects). | en_US |
