Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Uterotonic Properties of the Ethanol Extract of Brysocarpus coccineus

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2002

Journal Title

Pharmaceutical Biology

Volume

40

Issue

1

First Page

33

Last Page

38

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1076/phbi.40.1.33.5855

Abstract

The ethanol extract of the leaves of Brysocarpus coccineus Schum. & Thorn. (Connaraceae) was investigated for uterotonic activity in non-gravid rat uteri. Repeated treatment with the extract enhanced spontaneous uterine muscle contraction. A marked increase was observed on day 14, which was sustained up to day 28. Furthermore, the extract increased the contractile force of the isolated myometrial preparation in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was not attenuated by atropine, cyproheptadine or piroxicam, but was blocked by salbutamol, suggesting the involvement of β-adrenergic receptors. This result indicates the presence of biologically active substances with comparable effects to oxytocin on the uterus. The intraperitoneal LD[sub 50] in mice was found to be 547.7 ± 4.3mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids and balsams.

Keywords

Byrsocarpus coccineus, rat uterus, adrenergic receptors, uterotonic activity

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