Mo. Uguru et al., OXYTOCIC AND ESTROGENIC EFFECTS OF MONECHMA-CILIATUM METHANOL EXTRACTIN-VIVO AND IN-VITRO IN RODENTS, PTR. Phytotherapy research, 9(1), 1995, pp. 26-29
Various solvent extracts of the leaves of Monechma ciliatum (family Ac
anthecaea) were tested for oxytocic properties on uterine preparations
in vivo and in vitro. The methanol extract (HME) contracted the nonpr
egnant uterus of the rat, guinea-pig and mouse as well as preparations
obtained from guinea-pigs on days 6-7 and 11-12 of pregnancy. The rat
pregnant uterus was not affected by the extract, Oral administration
of HME to rats on days 15, 16 and 17 of pregnancy had no abortifacient
effect compared with oxytocin, However, laparotomy on day 23 revealed
fetal death in utero, The extract was also found to have oestrogenic
activity based on parameters such as uterine weight ratio, premature v
aginal opening and degree of vaginal cornification.