Evaluation of Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Activity by Using Piper nigrum Seeds
Pillalamarri Madhavi *
Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana-502313, India.
Siddhartha Lolla
Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana-502313, India.
Patnala Vaishnavi Gayathri
Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana-502313, India.
Singam Akanksha
Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana-502313, India.
Bhavani
Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana-502313, India.
Bodhuna Sai Joshna
Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana-502313, India.
Gugulothu Bindhu
Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana-502313, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Treating muscle-related pain and spasms, which are commonly linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and stroke, requires the use of skeletal muscle relaxants. Despite the widespread use of synthetic muscle relaxants, there has been a lot of interest in studying plant-based substitutes because of their possible effectiveness and less severe adverse effects. With an emphasis on the phytochemical components and pharmacological characteristics of Piper nigrum (black pepper) seeds, this study evaluates the skeletal muscle relaxant action of these seeds. After being verified, the seeds, which came from Annaram, Telangana, were extracted using ethanol maceration. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and carbohydrates were detected by phytochemical screening; these substances are known to support a variety of biological processes, including muscle relaxation. Experimental assessments were used to determine the ethanolic extract’s bioactive potential. Significant muscle relaxant activity was found in the results, most likely as a result of piperine, the main alkaloid in Piper nigrum that is known to have neuroactive and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to stressing the need for additional research, including in vivo and clinical trials, to ascertain its therapeutic feasibility, the study highlights Piper nigrum’s potential as a natural alternative for skeletal muscle relaxation. This study highlights the significance of phytochemical research in muscle relaxant therapy, given the growing preference for herbal therapies over synthetic drugs. The results suggest that Piper nigrum could be a promising candidate for the development of safer and more potent muscle relaxants, offering a natural remedy for musculoskeletal issues.
Keywords: Skeletal muscle, relaxant activity, Piper nigrum seeds