Experiments with banana trunk juice as a neuromuscular blocker

Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci. 1980 Dec;58(6):591-4. doi: 10.1038/icb.1980.60.

Abstract

The juice of the banana trunk produces a non-depolarising neuromuscular block. Oxygenation of the extract enhances its potency. Reversals with anticholinesterases are transient. Partial reversals in isolated preparations indicate these could be both specific and non-specific binding which could account for blockade after washing. It could be specifically bound to ACh receptors in an irreversible way since its action appears similar to that of alpha-BuTX.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Bungarotoxins / pharmacology
  • Cats
  • Fruit*
  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / pharmacology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Bungarotoxins
  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Acetylcholine