Anti-Spasmodic Constituents from Drimys piperita Hook F. Leaves
Louisa P. Pladio1 and Irene Villaseñor2
1Chemistry Department, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet
2Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABSTRACT
15-Nonacosanol and bis(tridecyl)phthalate were isolated as anti-spasmodic constituents from the leaves of Drimys piperita Hook. f., locally known as sapal, using the charcoal tracing method. 15-Nonacosanol and immodium, a commercially available anti-diarrheal drug, showed almost 100% inhibition, at dosages of 2.00 mg and 0.20 mg / 20 g mouse, respectively, while bis(tridecyl)phthalate, at a dosage of 0.80 mg / 20 g mouse, exhibited 88% anti-spasmodic activity. Student test showed that there is no significant difference betweent the treatment means of 15-nonacosanol, bis(tridecyl)phthalate, and immodium while all 3 differ significantly from normal saline solution, the solvent control, at 1% and 5% levels of significance. The results of this study validate the use of sapal leaves for the symptomatic relief of diarrhea and added to the list of anti-diarrheal compounds.
INTRODUCTION
Drimys piperita Hook. f. (Winteracea), locally known as sapal in Mt. Province, is a shrub, sometimes scrambling or epiphytic, or treelet, that grows from 0.1-13.0 m high. Fruits are obovoid to ellipsoid, up to 15 x 8 x 7.5 mm, black and nitidous to orange-brown and dull. Leaves are scattered to pseuverticillate, blades are elliptic or obovate to or lanceolate (Vink 1970). This plant is abundant on exposed ridges and peaks and in the mossy forests of the higher mountains of Luzon, Mindoro, Leyte, Negros, Panay, and Mindanao. . . . .
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