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Phytochemical analysis and inhibitory effect of <i>Pyrenacantha staudtii</i> leaf extract on isolated rat uterus


Abiodun Falodun
Cyril O Usifoh
Zuleikha AM Nworgu

Abstract

Pyrenacantha staudtii leaf (Icacinaceae) is used ethno - medicinally in Nigeria and some African countries for the prevention of miscarriage (threatened abortion) in pregnant women. The study was therefore aimed at validating the claim by the traditional herbal practitioners. The crude methanolic extract was subjected to isolated rat uterine preparation in an organ bath with oxytocin and salbutamol as controls. Both the oxytocin and the spontaneous contractions of the uterus were recorded with an Ugo basil recorder. The phytochemical constituents of the crude methanolic extract of Pyrenacantha staudtii leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids (benzylisoquinoline type) and saponins. The extract was found to exert significant (P< 0.05) inhibitory effect on oxytocin induced contractions of isolated rat uterus at a dose dependent level, comparable to that of salbutamol.

Keywords: Pyrenacantha staudtii, extract, rat uterus

Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources Vol. 2(2) 2005: 100-103

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eISSN: 0189-8442