In Vitro Impact of Hydro‑alcoholic Extract of Rosa damascena Mill. on Rat Ileum Contractions and the Mechanisms Involved

Background: The petal’s hydro‑alcoholic extract of Rosa damascena Mill. on ileum contractions of Wistar rats and its possible mechanism were investigated. Methods: Forty‑eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Ileum was placed adjacent to propranolol (1 μM), naloxone (1 μM) and L‑NAME (100 μM) and also under the influence of different doses (2-8 mM) of calcium chloride. Results: Cumulative extract of R. damascena Mill. (100, 500, and 1000 mg/L) decreased ileum contractions induced by KCl (60 mM) in a dose‑dependent manner (P < 0.0001). Propranolol and naloxone significantly decreased the inhibitory effect of the extract on contractions induced by KCl (P < 0.001), but L‑NAME was ineffective. Furthermore, calcium led to the contraction of depolarized tissue through KCI and this contractile effect decreased significantly induced by the cumulative concentrations of the extract (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results indicate that R. damascena Mill. dose‑dependently (100, 500, and 1000 mg/L) decreases ileum movements of the rat probably through stimulating the β‑adrenergic and opioid receptors and voltage‑dependent calcium channels, and it may be used to treat digestive disorders.