2,5-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyphenanthrene (1), fimbriol-A (2), nudol (3), gymnopusin (4) and erianthridin (5) isolated from Maxillaria densa provoked a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spontaneous contractions of the rat ileum with potencies comparable to papaverine. In order to establish the mode of action of stilbenoids 1-5, their effect on the contractions induced by different spasmogens (histamine, barium chloride and L-NAME) was investigated. In general, the results suggested that the relaxant activity of the products does not involve a direct nitrergic or antihistaminergic mode of action or an interference with calcium influx into the smooth muscle cells.