Supercritical fluid extraction and analysis of compounds from Clivia miniata for uterotonic activity

In this descriptive study, the supercritical fluid extract of the roots of Clivia miniata L. was tested for uterotonic activity using guinea pig uteri ne smooth muscle in vitro, Extraction was performed with water modified sup ercritical carbon dioxide at 400 atm and 80 degreesC. The uterine contracti ons induced by this extract were compared to those induced by the aqueous e xtract and found to be active at lower doses. The active compounds were iso lated and the structures elucidated by spectroscopic and chromatographic te chniques. Both linoleic acid and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde isol ated from the extract were found to induce muscle contractions individually . The pharmacological mode of action of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehy de was assessed using two receptor agonists and antagonists. This compound was found to mediate its effect through cholinergic receptors.