The Effects of Wild Ginger (Costus speciosus (Koen) Smith) Rhizome Extract and Diosgenin on Rat Uterine Contractions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wild ginger (Costus speciosus (Koen) Smith, Costaceae) rhizome extract on uterine contractility. We particularly examined the effects on spontaneous phasic contractions and the mechanisms whereby it exerts its effects. Wild ginger rhizomes were ethanolic extracted and their constituents analyzed. Isometric force was measured in strips of longitudinal myometrium and the effects of the extract studied. The extract (10 mg/100 mL) increased spontaneous contractions. The amplitude and frequency of the phasic contraction were significantly increased along with basal tension. Force produced in the presence of the extract was abolished by inhibition of l-type calcium channels or myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The actions of the extract were not blocked by the estrogen receptor blocker, fulvestrant. Although significant amounts of diosgenin were present in the extract, we found that, depending upon its concentration, diosgenin had either no effect or was inhibitory on force. Interestingly, the extract induced significant amounts of force in the absence of extracellular calcium, which could be blocked by inhibition of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase (SERCA), but not fulvestrant. We conclude that wild ginger rhizome extract stimulates phasic activity in rat uterus. Our data suggest that the uterotonic effect is due to nonestrogenic effects and not those of diosgenin. Wild ginger was able to increase contraction via calcium entry on l-type calcium channels and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium release. We suggest that wild ginger rhizome extract may be a useful uterine stimulant.

In-Vitro effect of Ficus deltoidea on the contraction of isolated rat’s uteri is mediated via multiple receptors binding and is dependent on extracellular calcium

“…This could be similar to the contraction induced by wild ginger (Costus speciosus) rhizome [47] and pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) seed [48] extracts which was also shown to solely depend on the extracellular Ca 2+ . In this study, FDA binding to the muscarinic, oxytocin and PGF2α receptors may trigger the extracellular Ca 2+ influx prior to contraction.…”

The effects of Ginseng Java root extract on uterine contractility in nonpregnant rats

“…; Gharib Naseri and Yahyavi ; Lijuan et al. ). Applications of Ginseng Java root extract decreased force in the presence of high K solution (see Fig.…”

Finding new agents in medicinal plants to act on the myometrium

“…We have therefore chosen to synthesize data from our studies of four plants used in menstruation-, pregnancy-and birth-related problems and to compare mechanisms, in order to obtain insights into directions for future studies. We have focused on pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae; Promprom et al 2010), wild ginger (Costus speciosus (Koen) Smith, Costaceae; Lijuan et al 2011), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae; Buddhakala et al 2008) and watermelon (Citrulus lantanus, Cucurbitaceae; Munglue et al 2013). Different plant parts, such as the rhizomes and fruits, were freshly…”

“…), wild ginger ( Costus speciosus (Koen) Smith, Costaceae; Lijuan et al . ), ginger ( Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae; Buddhakala et al . ) and watermelon ( Citrulus lantanus , Cucurbitaceae; Munglue et al .…”

“…Oil (ginger) was obtained by hydrodistillation. The quantitative phytochemical screening of the plant extracts were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Buddhakala et al 2008;Promprom et al 2010;Lijuan et al 2011;Munglue et al 2013). All separated compounds were identified from the recorded mass spectra by comparing the mass spectra from the The National Institute of Standards and Technology and Wiley libraries.…”