Phytochemical Screening, Spectroscpic Characterisation and Cardiotonic Activity of Aqueous Extract from Arieal Parts of Carmona Retusa (Vahl) Masam on Isolated Frogs Heart

The present study was undertaken to evaluate cardiotonic activity of aqueous extract of whole plant of carmona retusa (vahl) masam. Phytochemical screening of whole plant material revealed that the major constituent of Carmon retusa (Vahl.) Masam plant is an intractable mixture of alkaloids,triterpenes, flavanoids and cardiac gylcosides. Cardiotonic effect of aqueous extract of whole plant of carmona retusa was studied by using isolated frog heart perfusion technique (IFHP). Calcium free Ringer solution was used as vehicle for administration of aqueous extract of carmona retusa as a test extract and digoxin as a standard. A significant increase in height of force of contraction (positive inotropic effect) and decrease in heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) at a very low concentration (10g/ml) was observed with test extract as compared to the same dose of a standard digoxin. The present results indicated that a significant increase in height of force of contraction with decrease in heart rate was observed as the dose of test extract increased. The test extract does not produced cardiac arrest at 80g/ml, a higher concentration, as compared to standard, digoxin, a drug with narrow therapeutic window, carmona retusa showed wide therapeutic window.