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Cortex phellodendri Extract Relaxes Airway Smooth Muscle.

Qiu-Ju Jiang1, Weiwei Chen1, Hong Dan2

  • 1Institute for Medical Biology & Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plants in Wuling Area of China, College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China.

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The non-berberine component of Cortex phellodendri (NBAECP) relaxes airway smooth muscle by blocking calcium channels. This finding suggests NBAECP as a potential new drug for relieving bronchospasm.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Cortex phellodendri is traditionally used for fever and detoxification.
  • Berberine, a key component, relaxes airway smooth muscle.
  • The relaxant effects of non-berberine components on airway smooth muscle were unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relaxant effects of the non-berberine component of Cortex phellodendri on airway smooth muscle.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of an n-butyl alcohol extract of Cortex phellodendri (NBAECP).
  • Assessment of NBAECP's effect on high K+ and acetylcholine-induced contractions in mouse tracheal rings and lung slices.
  • Pharmacological blockade using nifedipine (L-type Ca2+ channel blocker) and pyrazole 3 (TRPC3 and STIM/Orai inhibitor).

Main Results:

  • NBAECP completely inhibited high K+ and acetylcholine-induced airway smooth muscle precontraction.
  • High K+-induced contraction was blocked by nifedipine, indicating L-type Ca2+ channel involvement.
  • Acetylcholine-induced contraction was partially inhibited by nifedipine and pyrazole 3, suggesting TRPC3 and/or STIM/Orai channel involvement.

Conclusions:

  • NBAECP effectively relaxes airway smooth muscle.
  • The mechanism involves the inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels and TRPC3 and/or STIM/Orai channels.
  • NBAECP shows potential as a novel therapeutic agent for bronchospasm relief.