NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org
EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF NEWBOULDIA LAEVIS STEM BARK ON THE UTERUS OF NON-PREGNANT RATS
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.16.016.2 | Article Number: 8559E616 | Vol.12 (2) - September 2013
Authors: Ayinde B.A and Owolabi O.J
Keywords: Oxytocin, Uterus, Herbal medicine, Tocolytic, Antagonism
The plant Newbouldia laevis NEEM (P. Beauv), Bignoniaceae family is locally used in Nigeria for
contracting the uterus to facilitate delivery. The stem bark was extracted using methanol via maceration
and its effect on the uterus investigated. The effects of both the crude extract (0.8mg/ml)
and the aqueous fraction on the uterus were examined against oxytocin (0.04-1.6x10-2) and acetylcholine
(0.04-16 mg/ml) induced contractions. A significant reduction was noted in the force of
contraction in the presence of the extract such that 0.51+ 0.12g produced by 0.04x10-2 oxytocin
was significantly (p<0.0001) reduced to 0.059+0.013g in the presence of the extract. The aqueous
fraction was observed to produce similar effects though not as significant as the crude extract. The
aqueous fraction of the extract remarkably inhibited (p<0.05) acetylcholine induced contractions at
all concentrations tested. The effect of both the crude extract and its aqueous fraction were comparable
with those of salbutamol and atropine on oxytocin and acetylcholine induced contractions
respectively. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins
and flavonoids. In conclusion as opposed to the oxytocic effect claimed in ethno medicine, a tocolytic
effect was observed. This effect may be mediated either via blockade of oxytocic receptors or
muscarinic receptor blockade. Saponins and tannins may also contribute to its relaxant effect on a
non-pregnant uterus.
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