Ethnopharmacological basis for folkloric claims of Tradescantia spathacea to treat gastrointestinal spasm and respiratory distress via in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico approaches.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tradescantia spathacea SW. (Commelinaceae), commonly referred to as oyster plant or Moses-in-the-basket, has traditionally been used in the management of respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation, and throat infections.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation was designed to scientifically validate the traditional medicinal use of TS. Cr. in respiratory and diarrheal disorders using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches.

METHODOLOGY: The hydroethanolic crude extract (TS.Cr.) was subjected to GC-MS analysis for phytochemical profiling. Antidiarrheal activity was assessed using castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal meal transit models, whereas isolated rabbit jejunum and tracheal tissues were employed to evaluate spasmolytic and bronchodilator effects.

RESULTS: GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytoconstituents, including phytol, loliolide, methyl palmitate, neophytadiene, and linoleic acid ethyl ester. The extract produced concentration-dependent relaxation of carbachol- and potassium-induced contractions in isolated jejunum and tracheal preparations, indicating possible potassium channel opening, and antimuscarinic activities. In vivo experiments demonstrated significant antidiarrheal activity by reducing castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility.

CONCLUSION: The findings provide pharmacological evidence supporting the traditional use of TS. Cr. in respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. The observed bronchodilator, spasmolytic, and antidiarrheal effects may be mediated through potassium channel activation and antimuscarinic mechanisms.