Evecare • Vol 11 • No. 2 • Sep–Dec 2023 24 Health Benefits of Apium graveolens: Scientific Evidence Spasmolytic activity A preclinical study evaluated the spasmolytic activity of A graveolens. Dried and pulverized leaves of A graveolens were extracted with distilled water and 96% ethanol, respectively, and a 10% solution of both extracts was prepared. Ileum fragments were isolated from Wistar Albino rats, thoroughly cleaned to remove mesenteries, and prepared for the evaluation using organ bath (Tyrode’s solution). The fragments were stretched and equilibrated. After the stabilization period, the tissues were pretreated with the aqueous and ethanolic extracts (0.01–3 mg/mL). Papaverine (0.01–3 μg/mL) was used as a normal control and atropine was used as a positive control. Acetylcholine (5–1500 nM) was added to the organ bath to induce muscle contractions.2 Cumulative concentration–response curves were recorded in the presence of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts in the organ bath. The results confirmed that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A graveolens leaves significantly inhibited smooth muscle contractions in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the study proved the spasmolytic ability of A graveolens leaves.2 Diuretic activity Another preclinical study evaluated the diuretic activity of A graveolens. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the fresh roots of A graveolens were prepared. Wistar rats (both sexes) were treated with gentamycin (40 mg/kg) for 14 days. The animals were grouped as saline-treated rats (normal control), gentamycin-treated rats (control), treatment rat groups (treated and not treated with gentamycin) that received oral doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A graveolens roots, and rats treated with furosemide (standard drug, 40 mg/ kg). The animals were placed in separate cages for the next 24 hours.3 The 24-hour urine total volume and urine creatinine, sugar, proteins, sodium, and potassium levels were estimated. A significant diuretic ability was found in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A graveolens roots compared with that in furosemide. Thus, the study demonstrated the diuretic ability of A graveolens roots.3 References 1. Salehi B, et al. Appl Sci. 2019;9(17):3547. 2. Branković S, et al. Acta Med Medianae. 2015;54(2):11–16. 3. Ur Rehman A, et al. Sci Int (Lahore). 2016;28(3):2503–2507.
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