Antispasmodic Activity of Origanum compactum

Abstract

In addition to the spasmolytic activity of Origanum compactum, the antagonistic effect of the main components thymol and carvacrol is investigated on the isolated guinea-pig ileum, induced by carbachol, histamine, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide and BaCl₂. The l-noradrenaline contractions on the rat vas deferens are also reduced by both of phenols and the Origanum macerate. pD′₂ values and relative potency to papaverine illustrate the affinity of the isomers. It is concluded that thymol and carvacrol act as non-competitive antagonists and are not significantly different from each other.

Key Word Index

Origanum compactum - Labiatae - Thymol - Carvacrol - Papaverine - Antispasmodic activity

1 Part 1: Planta medica, 38, 317 (1980).

1 Part 1: Planta medica, 38, 317 (1980).