Antispasmodic effects of the essential oil of , anethole, and estragole, on tracheal smooth muscle.

is a plant well adapted to the semi-arid climate of northeastern region of Brazil. The essential oil of (EOCz) has been described to have several pharmacologic properties, including effect on airflow resistance of respiratory system. For this reason, we investigated the hypothesis that EOCz and its major constituents, anethole and estragole, have antispasmodic activity on tracheal muscle.

1,8-Cineole blocks voltage-gated L-type calcium channels in tracheal smooth muscle.

1,8-Cineole is a cyclic monoterpenoid used in folk medicine for treatment of numerous respiratory diseases and other infections. 1,8-Cineole has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and myorelaxant effects, as well as low toxicity. In the present study, the effects of 1,8-cineole on contractility and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) in tracheal smooth muscle were investigated.