Assessment of the Spasmolytic Effects of Urtica dioica Leaf Extract on Smooth Muscle Contractions

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antispasmodic properties of the leaves of Urtica dioica. The gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in consuming and digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and removing waste from the body. Various diseases affecting the GI system can adversely impact digestion and overall health. Common digestive issues include diarrhoea, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation, peptic ulcers, and other gastrointestinal disorders. GIT disorders encompass any ailments that influence the gastrointestinal tract, including symptoms that arise in the middle or lower gastrointestinal system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antispasmodic effects of Urtica dioica leaves on the voluntary motility and contractility of chicken ileum smooth muscle in vitro. The research utilized chicken ileum to evaluate the muscle-relaxing properties of Urtica dioica rhizomes on intestinal contractions. Traditional remedies for GIT disorders often involve the use of herbal treatments such as Zingiber officinale and Artemisia vulgaris. Consequently, this study determined that the ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica exhibits antispasmodic properties in intestinal tissue, indicating its potential application as an antidiarrheal agent. Keywords: <I>Urtica dioica</I>, Antispasmodic, Gastrointestinal disorders, Chicken ileum, Antidiarrheal agent