Characteristics of ginsenoside Rd-induced effects on rat intestinal contractility with irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common refractory disease. Its exact pathophysiological mechanism is still unclear. Despite the availability of plentiful drugs to control IBS, most patients do not respond well. Ginsenoside Rd is one of the major active components of Panax ginseng, which has been verified to produce various pharmacological actions. However, the role of ginsenoside Rd in modulating smooth muscle contractility is still undefined. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rd on intestinal contractility and related mechanisms in IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]