MATERNITY AND MEDICINAL-PLANTS IN VANUATU .2. PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF 5 SELECTED SPECIES

An ethnobotanical survey of reproductive behaviour in Vanuatu and an e xtensive literature search have resulted in the selection of five plan t species (Asplenium nidus, Hemigraphis reptans, Homalanthus nutans, D ysoxylum gaudichaudianum, Pemphis acidula) used for purposes relating to human reproduction in that country. Preliminary screening was carri ed out to identify possible oestrogenic activity in these species as w ell as their effects on isolated rat uteri. Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum presented the most interest due to its spasmolytic activity (musculotr opic type). Its mode of action has yet to be determined.