Oxytocic Activity of Leaf Extract ofSpondias mombin.

Abstract

The oxytocic property of leaf extract of Spondias mombin Linn. (Anacardiaceae) was evaluated in relation to its folkloric use by traditional birth attendants. The abortifacient effect of the methanol leaf extract (ME) obtained by cold maceration for 48 h, was evaluated in vivo in pregnant mice and rats at different trimesters of pregnancy. The effect of ME on isolated gravid and nongravid rat uteri preparations as well as on spontaneous contractile frequency and amplitude were investigated in vitro. The results showed that ME caused abortion in rats only in the third trimester within 24 h of administration. An effective abortifacient dose (ED 50 ) of 105.33 mg=kg was established in pregnant mice. In vitro, the extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contraction of isolated uteri preparations, which were sustained for longer periods. The uterine-stimulant effects of acetylcholine, oxytocin, ergometrine, and PGF 2a were all potentiated by ME in a dose-dependent manner. The in vivo abortifacient activity was well corroborated by the uterotonic activity of ME in vitro. Acute toxicity tests in mice revealed an intraperitoneal LD 50 of 282.44 mg=kg. Phytochemical tests showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, resins, protein, and triterpenes. These findings justify the use of S. mombin by traditional birth attendants in labor induction, augmentation, and as postpartum astringent.

Anticholinesterase constituents from the leaves of <em>Spondias mombin</em> L. (Anacardiaceae)

“…Several biological activities of the plant have been reported, including antiviral, 21 – 23 antibacterial and mollus-cicidal, 15 , 23 β-lactamase inhibitory, 24 anti-inflammatory, 16 wound healing, 19 antipsychotic, anticonvulsant and sedative, 18 , 20 abortifacient, 11 oxytocic, 25 antimicrobial, 26 anti-fertility, 27 antigonadotrophic, 28 hematinic, 29 antioxidant, 30 antidiabetic 31 and anticholinesterase activities. 32 …”

The leaf extract ofSpondias mombinL. displays an anti-inflammatory effect and suppresses inducible formation of tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide (NO)

“…The leaves have also been demonstrated to have antihelminthic (Ademola et al, 2005) and abortifacient (Offiah and Anyanwu, 1989;Nworu et al, 2007) properties. In traditional medical practice of southern Nigeria, the freshly boiled aqueous leaf extract of SM is used to treat dizziness, especially after childbirth, while the bark is used to treat mothers after delivery (Onwuka, 1992).…”

How do Spondias mombin L (Anacardiaceae) leaves extract increase uterine smooth muscle contractions to facilitate child birth in parturient women?

“…Some plants were reputed to have uterotonic effect and thus allowed calcium mobilization in order to induce uterine smooth muscle contraction. Among them, the fresh leaves of Spondias mombin were crushed and used traditionally in Togo by healers to treat dystocia and manage post-partum hemorrhage2 and to expel placenta in Nigeria3. In our previous study, we have shown that hydro-ethanolic extract of S. mombin leaves could contract uterus smooth muscle by cytosolic calcium rising.…”