Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Author Spotlight: Reliable and Reproducible In Vitro Assessment of Drug Impact on Rat Intestinal Tubes
Published on: July 26, 2024
Herbal Extracts Mixed with Essential Oils: A Network Approach for Gastric and Intestinal Motility Disorders
Roberta Budriesi1, Ivan Corazza2, Simone Roncioni3
1Food Chemistry and Nutraceutical Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
Background:
Three herbal extracts (Asparagus racemosus Willd., Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) were mixed with three essential oils (Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Mentha piperita L., and Pimpinella anisum L.) to formulate a product (HEMEO) whose active compounds include saponins and steroids in Asparagus racemosus, known for their anti-inflammatory properties; glycyrrhizin and flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra, which exhibit gastroprotective and antispasmodic effects; menthol in Mentha piperita, contributing with antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties; and anethole and polyphenols in Pimpinella anisum, which modulate intestinal motility and offer antimicrobial activity.
Objective:
HEMEO was formulated for applications in intestinal motility disorders.
Methods:
HEMEO was evaluated for spontaneous and induced motility effects in isolated guinea pig ileum, colon, and stomach. Ex vivo experiments were conducted using LabChart software v7.0, and the product's antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori and its antioxidant effects were assessed through disc diffusion and FRAP assays. The presence of the volatile compounds in the formulation was confirmed by GC-MS analysis; the TPC of HEMEO, determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, was 9.925 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g.
Conclusions:
HEMEO showed a phenolic content correlated with its antioxidant potential and in addition inhibited H. pylori growth and demonstrated notable antioxidant properties, suggesting its role as a supportive agent in digestive processes and in managing motility disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Anatomical Parameters

