Pharmacological basis for the use of the antivenene water soluble extract of Diodia scandens as a laxative, oxytocic agent and a possible aphrodisiac in traditional medicine practice in Eastern Nigeria

The effects of the antivenene fraction of an ethanol extract of Diodia scandens on some mammalian smooth muscles were investigated. On the guinea‐pig ileum, the extract was shown to be a partial agonist acting via muscarinic receptors. Acetylcholine (ACh) was 2.5 × 105 times more potent. On the pregnant guinea‐pig uterus, the extract induced concentration‐dependent increases in the force of contraction and tonus. Oxytocin and ergometrine were respectively 106 and 103 times more potent. The extract, at subliminal concentrations, potentiated ACh and adrenaline‐induced contractions in the guinea‐pig was deferens. It also induced dose‐related vasodilatation in the rat hindquarters and depressed the blood pressure in the anaesthetized cat. It was concluded that these pharmacological actions offer some scientific explanation for the use of Diodia scandens in traditional medicine as a laxative and as an oxytocic agent. It is suggested that the extract could enhance erection and ejaculatory processes in the male, thus accounting for its regular use by some elderly males. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.