Oxytocic Activity of Leaf Extract of Spondias mombin.

Abstract

The oxytocic property of leaf extract of Spondias mombin. Linn. (Anacardiaceae) was evaluated in relation to its folkloric use by traditional birth attendants. The abortifacient effect of the methanol leaf extract (ME) obtained by cold maceration for 48 h, was evaluated in vivo. in pregnant mice and rats at different trimesters of pregnancy. The effect of ME on isolated gravid and non-gravid rat uteri preparations as well as on spontaneous contractile frequency and amplitude were investigated in vitro.. The results showed that ME caused abortion in rats only in the third trimester within 24 h of administration. An effective abortifacient dose (ED50) of 105.33 mg/kg was established in pregnant mice. In vitro., the extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contraction of isolated uteri preparations, which were sustained for longer periods. The uterine-stimulant effects of acetylcholine, oxytocin, ergometrine, and PGF2α. were all potentiated by ME in a dose-dependent manner. The in vivo. abortifacient activity was well corroborated by the uterotonic activity of ME in vitro.. Acute toxicity tests in mice revealed an intraperitoneal LD50 of 282.44 mg/kg. Phytochemical tests showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, resins, protein, and triterpenes. These findings justify the use of S. mombin. by traditional birth attendants in labor induction, augmentation, and as postpartum astringent.