Original Research
Dryopteris filix-mas (Dryopteridaceae) leaves inhibit mouse uterine activity
Submitted: 20 May 2017 | Published: 25 October 2017
About the author(s)
Enitome E. Bafor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Benin, NigeriaWellington O. Omokaro, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Benin, Nigeria
Osamuyi H. Uwumarongie, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Benin, Nigeria
Uloma B. Elvis-Offiah, Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, Nigeria
Osemelomen Omoruyi, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Benin, Nigeria
Christina V. Viegelmann, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Abstract
Background: The plant Dryopteris filix-mas has been used traditionally for its uterine-stimulant effects.
Aim: The current study is therefore aimed at investigating and determining the effect of the leaves of D. filix-mas on uterine contractility in vitro.
Setting: Fresh leaves of D. filix-mas were collected from a river bank in the south-western part of Nigeria.
Methods: The leaves of D. filix-mas were cleaned, dried and extracted in methanol. The extract (0.07 µg/mL–21.0 µg/mL) was tested on the isolated mouse uteri in order to determine activity on spontaneous-induced uterine contractions. Subsequently the extract (0.005 mg/mL and 0.05 mg/mL) was tested on oxytocin-induced contraction (0.00017 ng/mL–4.98 ng/mL) in calcium-containing media, submaximal oxytocin-induced contraction (0.116 ng/mL) in calcium-free media and in the presence of high KCl-induced uterine contractions (80 mM). The extract was also subjected to mass spectrometric determination of secondary metabolites.
Results: The plant extract inhibited spontaneous-induced contractions with IC50 amplitude = 658.41 ng/mL ± 0.11 ng/mL and IC50 frequency = 175.32 ng/mL ± 0.53 ng/mL. The plant extract inhibited oxytocin-induced and high KCl-induced uterine contractions (p < 0.01 at 0.5 mg/mL). The plant extract had no effect on oxytocin-induced contractions under calcium-free conditions. Secondary metabolites belonging to classes of fatty acids, alkaloids, saponin glycosides, amino acids, limonoids, terpenes and porphyrins were identified.
Conclusion: The current study reports an inhibitory effect of the plant on uterine contractility in this study, suggesting possible application as a tocolytic or as a contraceptive, as most contraceptive plants have shown uterine-relaxing effect.
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Crossref Citations
1. TRADITIONAL USAGES OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR PEDIATRIC DISEASES
Fatma SARI, Şükran KÜLTÜR, Mine KOÇYİĞİT
Ankara Universitesi Eczacilik Fakultesi Dergisi vol: 47 issue: 3 first page: 4 year: 2023
doi: 10.33483/jfpau.1214245