Yang W X, Jin Z G, Xu W S, Tian Z S, Guo S D
Department of Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1993 Sep;14(5):430-2.
The effects of sennosides (Sen, an extract of Chinese rhubarb) on cellular spontaneous electric activities of guinea pig taenia coli were studied by intracellular microelectrode technique. Sen 0.1-20 mmol.L-1 improved the depolarization of cell membrane, quickened the burst of slow wave potential, and increased notably the frequency of spike potentials. Sen (20 mmol.L-1) induced spontaneous spike potentials. These results provide direct evidence for the enhancing effect of Sen on intestinal peristalsis at cellular level.