In vitro determination of the uterine stimulatory effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus exasperata

摘要: Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance The leaves of Ficus exasperata Vahl (Moraceae) are used by traditional healers in Southern Nigeria to arrest pre-term contractions and also as an abortifacient some parts Africa. Aim study An earlier on the aqueous leaf extract (AET) showed that at lower concentrations inhibited oxytocin-induced uterine higher concentrations, stimulated contraction. This thus aims determine, possible mechanisms which AET stimulates contraction vitro. Materials methods contractile effect (5.0 × 10−2 100 × 10−2 mg/ml) oxytocin (which was a reference drug) were examined presence following antagonists: atropine (1.18 11.91 nM); indomethacin (1.42 14.25 nM); verapamil (2.03 20.35 nM); phentolamine (4.09 40.91 nM), or diphenhydramine (4.45 44.47 nM). EC50 Emax determined statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA Dunnett post hoc test. Results There no significant difference atropine. Diphenhydramine significantly (p  Conclusions These results suggest stimulation contractility may arise from activation histamine H1- and/or α-adrenergic receptors, interference with calcium channels prostaglandin synthesis utero.