An in vitro study of ricinus communis and euclea divinorum extracts on isolated rabbit uterus.

Abstract

Gestation period is sensitive, delicate and prone to several disruptions, the commonest being spontaneous abortions, hypertensive disease of pregnancy, delayed onset and protracted labor. Following parturition, cases of retained afterbirth, post parturition hemorrhage and sometimes death occur. An ethno-botanical survey was undertaken in Kathiani and Kyevaluki sub locations of Machakos district to obtain information on the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy, after parturition and their possible effects on uterine muscle. Based on preliminary studies and Traditional Birth Attendants questionnaire analysis; two plants Ricinus communis and Euclea divinorum were identified for further laboratory studies. Aqueous, ethanolic and chloroformic extracts of the root bark of both plants were prepared. The effect of the extracts on isolated uterine strips was investigated both in the presence and absence of oxytocin and prostaglandin F2α. The uterine strips were exposed to a range of serial extract concentrations: (0.5 to 4.0 mg/ml). The data was analyzed using ANOVA, P values < 0.05 were considered significant.