Pharmacological evaluation of some local plant extracts claimed to be used abortifacients in folklore practice

OBJECTIVE: Several local plant extracts are used in folklore practice as abortifacients. The objectives was to determine the scientific basis, if any, for these claims. METHODS: Aqeous extracts were prepared from 6 plants collected from St.Thomas, Jamaica: Leonotis nepetifolia (LN), Mentha pulegium (MP), Phyllanthus amarus (PA), Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (SJ), Gliricidia sepium (GS) and Wedelia gracilis (WG). The extracts were tested for contractile activity on isolated mouse uteri maintained in de Jalons solution. The effects of indomethacin and atropine on the contractions were used to indicate the possible mechanism of action. RESULTS: Three plant extracts (LN, MP and PA) produced dose-dependent contractions of the non-pregnant and pregnant mouse uteri. No contractions were observed with the other three extracts (SJ, GS, and WG). The contractions produced by MP were significantly reduced by indomethacin (p<0.05) but not by atropine. Contractions produced by LN and MP were blocked by either drug. Pregnant mice given LN litterd with live offspring within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 6 plants evaluated, 3 contracted the uterus in vitro but only one (LN) had a significant action in vivo. The contractile effect of MP may possibly be mediated via prostaglandins. However, this plant extract showed significant toxicity in vivo. (AU)

The effect of Bromelia pinguin extract on the pregnant rat uterus

A non proteinaceous extract of Bromelia pinguin fruit was examined for activity on the rat uterus in vivo and in vitro. The in vivo experiments involved pregnant rats given the extract intraperitoneally. These rats did not abort nor were any foetal deformities observed. The extract inhibited spontaneous activity of the pregnant rat uterus in vitro. The extract of Bromelia pinguin fruit may have some utero-active compound which inhibits uterine motility.(AU)