The aim of the present study is to investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of
Origanum
majorana
(Lamiaceae) on isolated smooth muscles preparations. Maximum re
laxation of isolated guinea pig's ileum
and rat's colon was achieved by addition of 50 μg of
Origanum majorana
/ml bath. While in isolated
rabbit's duodenum, it was achieved by addition of 100 μg of
Origanum majorana
/ml bath. The effect of
graded increased concentrations of
Origanum majorana
on isolated rat's uterine muscles was examined
during various stages of sex cycle. Maximum relaxation of isola
ted rat's uterine muscles was achieved
by addition of 200 μg of
Origanum majorana
/ml bath. It was concluded that,
Origanum majorana
directly inhibits the smooth muscles of gastrointestinal tract
and those of uterus. These findings indicated
that
Origanum majorana
had a significant antispasmodic effects and might have some cl
inical benefits
for treatment of gastroint
estinal disorders as colic.