Antispasmodic
Antispasmodic plants (also known as spasmolytics) help to reduce or relieve smooth tissue muscle contractions in the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. They are often applied to ease conditions including dysmenorrhoea, colic, muscle tension and gastrointestinal discomfort.
These plants act via mechanisms including neurotransmitter modulation like acetylcholine, calcium channel inhibition and direct muscle relaxation. These effects can be attributed to multiple phytoconstituents including flavonoids, volatile oils and alkaloids.
Examples include aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
