Abstract
We studied the effects of Dai-kenchu-to on the spontaneous contraction in isolated rabbit jejunum. Dai-kenchu-to (10-3g/ml) increased jejunal contraction, such as phasic-like contraction and contractile amplitude. Zanthoxyli Fructus (2×10-4g/ml) exhibited an action identical to that of Dai-kenchu-to. While Zingiberis Siccatum Rhizoma (5×10-4g/ml) continuously decreased the amplitude of contraction. Ginseng Radix (3×10-4g/ml) and Saccharum Granorum (8×10-3g/ml) had no effect on spontaneous contraction. Dai-kenchu-to and Zanthoxyli Fructus reversed the decrease of contraction produced by atropine. However, phasic-like contraction induced in the absence of atropine was antagonized by atropine. Dai-kenchu-to and Zingiberis Siccatum Rhizoma further decreased spontaneous contraction in the presence of tetrodotoxin.
It was clarified that Dai-kenchu-to possesses gastroprokinetic effect, and Zanthoxyli Fructus mainly contributed to this effect. It was suggested that the cholinergic and non-cholinergic nervous systems were involved in increasing intestinal motility. It was also suggested that Dai-kenchu-to acted on multiple points of the intestine, and actions at these points might intensify to improve ileus.
