Planta Med 2008; 74(4): 385-391
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1034323
Pharmacology
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Inhibitory Effects of Ginger Oil on Spontaneous and PGF2 α-Induced Contraction of Rat Myometrium

Nopparat Buddhakala1 , Chusri Talubmook2 , Poonsook Sriyotha1 , Susan Wray3 , Sajeera Kupittayanant1
  • 1Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
  • 2Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
  • 3Physiological Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Received: October 22, 2007 Revised: January 26, 2008

Accepted: January 29, 2008

Publication Date:
07 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

Solvent extracts of ginger, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), have been extensively studied for their pharmacological activities in smooth muscles. However, the effects of ginger essential oil on smooth muscle contractility have not been elucidated. The aims of the study were to investigate the effects of ginger oil on rat myometrial contractility. We particularly examined the effects on phasic contractions arising either spontaneously or with PGF2 α stimulation. Ginger oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and its constituents analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Rats were humanely killed by asphyxiation with CO2, and longitudinal uterine smooth muscles were isolated. Isometric force was measured and the effects of ginger oil studied. It was found that citral was the main constituent of ginger oil (24 %). Ginger oil inhibited spontaneous contractions with an IC50 of 50 μL/100 mL (10 - 150 μL/100 mL). The PGF2 α-induced contractions were also significantly reduced by ginger oil. Increases in external calcium concentration completely reversed the relaxant effects of ginger oil. This was the case for both spontaneous and PGF2 α-induced contractions. The effects of ginger oil were indistinguishable from those of pure citral. In conclusion, ginger oil is a potent inhibitor of phasic activity in rat uterus, irrespective of how it was produced. Our data suggest that the effects are largely due to citral, and could be via inhibition of L-type Ca channels.

Abbreviations

AUC:area under the curve

Ca:calcium

PGF2:prostaglandin F2alpha

PKC:protein kinase C

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Dr. Sajeera Kupittayanant

School of Physiology

Institute of Science

Suranaree University of Technology

Nakhon Ratchasima 30000

Thailand

Phone: +66-4422-4644

Fax: +66-4422-4633

Email: sajeera@sut.ac.th