Pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of Neorautanenia mitis in rodents

The pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of Neorautanenia mitis ( family Papilonaceae) were studied in rodents. Investigations were carried o ut on acetic acid-induced writhing (pain) in mice and hind paw oedema in ra ts. The effects of the extract were also studied on the isolated non-pregna nt rat uterus and rabbit jejunum. Results showed the extract to possess sig nificant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent anti-nociceptive activity between 12.5 a nd 50.0 mg/kg p.o. in mice and slight anti-inflammatory activity at 25 and 50 mg/kg p.o. in rats. The extract also produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the normal rhythmic contraction of the isolated non-pregnant rat uterus. It was found to inhibit oxytocin-induced as well as acetylcholi ne-induced contractions in the rat uterus. The extract also exhibited conce ntration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous contractions of the rabbit jej unum. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presen ce of saponin glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. The extract ha d an intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD50 of 282.84 +/- 3.2 mg/kg in mice. These dat a corroborate the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of dysmeno rrhea. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.