An In Vitro Study On The Oxytocic Action Of Adenia Globosa Engl

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study was to investigate the effect of the water extract of Adenia globosa on the isolated preparation of the rat uterus and how this could be affected by well known uterine stimulants such as ergometrine and prostaglandin F2α. and also by antagonists of acetylcholine and adrenaline. Setting: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, KNH Campus Study Design: It was a laboratory based study. The crude extract and the other drugs were tested on isolated rat uterus set up in an organ bath under the usual laboratory conditions. Results: The results obtained showed that the plant extract caused a dosedepended contraction of the rat uterus which was not antagonized by atropine nor phenoxybenzamine. The contractile effect was however potentiated by small doses of ergometrine and prostaglandin F2α. Conclusions: It was concluded from these observations that the contractile action was not mediated through cholinergic nor adrenergic system. Secondly, it was postulated that since prostaglandin F2α is also released at the time of labour, the potentiatory action probably occurs in vivo when the plant preparation is given to domestic animals to ease and speed up the process of giving birth as claimed in the traditional use of this plant.