Background: PYCNOCYCLA SPINOSA (P. SPINOSA) a member of the Umbelliferae family is traditionally used for treatment of different ailments.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content of P. SPINOSA extracts (methanol, ethanol and aqueous) and their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity of different extracts of P. SPINOSA was evaluated using micro broth dilution. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. Their antioxidant effect was evaluated using DPPH assay and b-carotene linoleic acid test.Results: P. SPINOSA ethanol extract with higher-level phenolic and flavonoid contents showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, in comparison with the other extracts. Bacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp. showed higher sensitivity to P. SPINOSA ethanol extract.Conclusions: P. SPINOSA ethanol extract can be used as a mouthwash for treatment of the oral infections. More clinical and toxicological studies are required for providing its efficacy.

Hydroalcoholic extract of PYCNOCYCLA SPINOSA Decne. exBoiss. var. SPINOSA has in vitro spasmolytic action, and at oral dose of 250µg/kg inhibits castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. In this investigation, effects of P. SPINOSA var. SPINOSA extract in comparison with nifedipine on blood pressure and heart rate in animal model was studied. Injection of three bolus doses of P. SPINOSA var. SPINOSA extract (100µg/kg, 500µg/kg and 1mg/kg) into the jugular vein, temporary reduced blood pressure and heart rate. However, soon after completion of extract administration blood pressure and heart rate returned to normal. Nifedipine on the other hand caused a sustained reduction in blood pressure and decreased heart rate compared with the control group. From this study it was concluded that P. SPINOSA var. SPINOSA extract at antidiarrhoeal dose has no significant effect on blood pressure and heart rate.

The hydrodistilled aerial parts oil of PYCNOCYCLA SPINOSA var. SPINOSA was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty three components were identified. Geranyl isovalerate (14.9%), caryophyllene oxide (10.6%), a-eudesmol (9.2%) b-citronellol (7.2%), elemicin (6.8%), r-cymene (4.7%), citronellyl acetate (4.3%), and a-cadinol (3.3%) were found as major components.

Hydroalcoholic extract of PYCNOCYCLA SPINOSA is a relaxant of rat ileum and inhibits diarrhea in mice. As P. SPINOSA extract has spasmolytic activity on ileum, it could also affect other smooth muscles like bladder. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of P. SPINOSA extract on rat bladder contraction.In an in vitro study, the effects of P. SPINOSA extract, nifedipine and propantheline were tested on isolated rat bladder contractions induced, by acetylcholine (ACh, 10 M) and KCl (80mM).P. SPINOSA extract, concentration-dependently, inhibited the bladder contractions induced by ACh with an IC50 of 265±28 mg/ml and KCl with an IC50 of 5l8±86 µg/ml. The muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonist, propantheline, inhibited the response of ACh without affecting KCl response. Nifedipine, on the other hand, abolished the KCI response, while partially inhibiting the ACh contraction in rat bladder. The antispasmodic effect of P. SPINOSA extract on bladder was observed at higher concentrations as compared to that of ileum. Therefore, it is unlikely that P. SPINOSA extract at anti-diarrheal doses affect the normal bladder emptying function.