Planta Med 2006; 72 - P_280
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-950080

Effects of STW 5 (Iberogast®) on prostaglandinF2α –induced contractions of ileum of mice in vitro

D Hagelauer 1, O Kelber 2, D Weiser 2, H Heinle 1
  • 1Institute of Physiology, University of Tuebingen, Gmelinstrasse 5, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
  • 2Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH, Scientific Department, Havelstr. 5, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany

STW 5 (Iberogast®) is a phytotherapeutic combination of nine herbal extracts and used in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal diseases i.e. motility disturbances. ProstaglandinF2α (PGF2α), a pro-inflammatory mediator, has been shown to play an important role in modulating intestinal motility under physiological as well as under pathophysiological conditions [1]. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of STW 5 and its herbal components on the PGF2α-induced contractile activity in mouse ileum.

Smooth muscle rings of the ileum are mounted in a perfused organ bath and longitudinal spontaneous peristaltic activity and tonus are recorded. First the effect of PGF2α [10-6 M] on the ileum is measured thus obtaining the control response, then the application is repeated to the same sample pretreated with different herbal extracts and STW 5 (diluted 1:100), respectively. Each tissue specimen is used for only one extract.

The preparations show a very stable spontaneous peristaltic contractility (mean amplitude 5.8±2 mN; mean frequency 25±5/minute). PGF2α induces a transient tonic contraction with a low increase of frequency of the spontaneous peristaltic activity. The plant extracts influence PGF2α-induced contractility in different ways: peppermint, chamomile, angelica root and milk thistle inhibit the PGF2α-induced tone as well as the amplitude of spontaneous contractility, whereas liquorice root and melissa show a minor effect on these measurement parameter. The combination STW 5 inhibits mainly the PGF2α-induced tonic contraction.

STW 5 (Iberogast®) and its components can inhibit the PGF2α-induced contraction. These findings suggest a spasmolytic activity of STW 5 in irritable bowel syndrome and inflammation induced increased motility.

Acknowledgement: Supported by Alfred Teufel-Stiftung, Nagold, Germany

References: 1. Frantzides, C.T. et al. (1992), Am. J. Physiol. 262(3 Pt 1): G488–97.