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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM
Published on: December 1, 2010
Antispasmodic effect of Ocimum selloi essential oil on the guinea-pig ileum
Sylvia D F Souza1, Carolina S L Franca1, Edenilson S Niculau2
1a Department of Pharmacy , Federal University of Sergipe , Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, CEP 49.100-000, São Cristovão, Sergipe , Brazil.
Abstract:
Ocimum selloi is an herbal species popularly used in Brazil as antispasmodic. Herein, we report the antispasmodic effect of O. selloi essential oil (OS) in segments of guinea-pig ileum. OS did not reduce the tonus of the ileum. In contrast, OS reduced the contraction induced by carbachol (100 μM), BaCl2 (0.03 M) and low- and high-K(+) concentrations (25 and 60 mM, respectively). OS shifted the concentration-response curve for calcium to the right in a parallel manner. GC/MS analysis showed that OS consists mostly of methyl chavicol (97.57%). These results suggest that OS antispasmodic effect is mediated through calcium channel blockade. In addition, OS effect and mode of action could be accounted for methyl chavicol.
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