Endothelium-independent and calcium channel-dependent relaxation of the porcine cerebral artery by different species and strains of turmeric.

Objective: To clarify the underlying mechanism of turmeric, which is traditionally used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension, and palpitations.

Methods: Methanol extracts of different turmeric were used. A tissue-organ-bath system was used to investigate the vasoactive effects of methanol extracts from 5 kinds of turmeric on isolated porcine basilar arteries.