Effect of the ethanolic extract ofNauclea latifolia(Family: Rubiaceae) on the isolated uterus of non-pregnant rats

Abstract

The plant Nauclea latifolia has been reported to be used by traditional healers to arrest pre-term labour. The ethanolic extract of the root of N. latifolia was screened for activity via agonist-induced contractions of uterine smooth muscles in non-pregnant female albino rats. The extract, at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml (final bath concentration), was tested against oxytocin (4×10 -5 to 8×10 -2 I.U/ml: final bath concentration), acetylcholine (0.04 to 40 µg/ml: final bath concentration) and ergometrine (0.05 to 100 µg/ml: final bath concentration) induced contractions invitro. The effect of the extract was compared to that of (0.004 µg/ml: final bath concentration) salbutamol and (0.004 µg/ml: final bath concentration) atropine. Both concentrations of the extract significantly shifted the concentration response curves of oxytocin (P<0.01), acetylcholine (P<0.0001) and ergometrine (P<0.0001) to the right with a slight depression of the Emax. This shift was more with the 0.2 mg/ml concentration, thus suggesting the possibility of a dose dependent action. There was no statistical significant decrease in Emax by 0.1 mg/ml of the extract, while the 0.2 mg/ml produced a significant depression (P<0.05) of the Emax, which like salbutamol could not be overwhelmed by higher concentrations of oxytocin. Similarly a significant reduction of the Emax of acetylcholine induced contractions was produced by 0.2 mg/ml, while both concentrations (0.1 and 0.2 mg/ml) produced significant (P<0.0001) reduction in Emax of ergometrine. It can thus be concluded that N latifolia root extract reduces oxytocin, acetylcholine and ergometrine-induced uterine contractions. These inhibitions were non-competitive. The result indicates an anti-abortifacient property.

Effects of smokeless tobacco on the uterine wall of adult non pregnant female swiss albino rats

“…The findings from the current study, which include a diminished endometrial thickness and reduced size of endometrial glands, suggest the inhibition of ovarian steroid biosynthesis. These hormones are crucial for uterine growth and reproductive activity (7,8). The present study provides evidence that the consumption of smokeless tobacco causes dysregulation of the reproductive hormonal system and impairs uterine growth through endometrial degeneration, edema, and fibrosis.…”

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of African Nauclea species: A review

“…The use of N. latifolia by traditional healers to stop pre-term labor has been reported. The ethanolic extract of the roots was then evaluated on agonist-induced contractions of uterine smooth muscles in non-pregnant female rats and clearly indicated an anti-abortifacient property since a reduction of oxytocin, acetylcholine and ergometrine-induced uterine contractions was observed (Nworgu et al, 2010). A methanol extract of the roots of N. latifolia was screened in the yeast test-system to evaluate potential estrogenic properties.…”

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Floral Methanolic Extract of Costus lucanisianus

“…Ethnomedicinally, the leaves have been employed in the treatment of prolapsed rectum, diarrhea, pyrexia, pain and dysmenorrheal [7]. Pharmacologically, the antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, renoprotective [6], uterine-relaxant [8,9] and oxytocic [10] potentials of Costus lucanisianus have been established. However, the pharmacological properties of the floral part have not been investigated.…”