Phytother Res. 2003 Apr; 17(4): 404-6.

Effects of Zuccagnia punctata on the gastrointestinal tract in rats and mice.

Ortega CA, MarÃa AO, Giordano OS, Gianello JC.

Departamento de QuÃmica OrgÃ¡nica.

A pharmacological evaluation of Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae) on the gastrointestinal tract was made in rats and mice. 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone were isolated from Zuccagnia punctata. The data reported in the present work indicate that the acetone extract and infusion of Zuccagnia punctata reduced intestinal transit in rats and mice and offered protection against ethanol-induced ulceration in rats. The Z. punctata effect could be due, in part, to the presence of 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone in this plant.Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.