Fruit Extract of Oil Palm (<i>Elaeis Guineensis</i> (Jacq.)) Inhibits Uterine Contractility in <i>Ex-Vivo</i> Mouse Models

Abstract

Background: Different parts of Elaeis guineensis (EG) plants are used ethno-medicinally for treating numerous illnesses including  abdominal contraction.

Objectives: Thus, this study evaluated the inhibitory potential of the fruit-extract of EG on the uterine contractility in ex-vivo mouse  models.

Material and Methods: The effect of EG extract on spontaneous uterine contractions, oxytocin (OT)-induced uterine contractions, high  potassium chloride induced uterine contractions and oxytocin-induced calcium free contraction were evaluated in adult non-pregnant  female albino mice.

Results: EG in a concentration dependent mode diminished spontaneous uterine contractions, while amplitude and frequency of  contractions were inhibited significantly, but the frequency of contraction was at the highest concentration of EG. EG also produced a  significant inhibition of the frequency of OT-induced contraction in calciumfree media.

Conclusion: The aqueous fruit extracts of EG inhibited uterine contraction in the uterus through inhibition of intracellular calcium stores.