Justicia flava Leaves Exert Mild Estrogenic Activity in Mouse Models of Uterotrophic and Reproductive Cycle Investigations.

This study aimed to assess and determine the estrogenic activity of the leaf extract of Justicia flava (JF) in mice, which may interfere with its therapeutic use in female reproduction. The uterotrophic assay (UTA) utilizing 20 days old female mice and the reproductive cycle assay (RCA) utilizing adult female mice were used in this study. All administrations were performed orally. Reproductive organ and blood samples were collected the day after last administration of JF for histology and hormone analysis. Other parameters such as organ weight, temperature, body weight, and reproductive cycles were analyzed. Our study showed that for UTA, JF increased uterine weights slightly, which were nonsignificant but more pronounced at the highest dose of 1000 mg/kg. JF did not induce vaginal opening, which is a sign of puberty onset. JF also had minimal effect on organ morphology and caused a slight increase in serum estrogen. For RCA, JF did not significantly alter body weight and temperature although an upward trend in temperature was observed. JF did not disrupt cycling significantly (P > .005) compared with estrogen (the positive control drug used). JF also did not significantly alter uterus morphology except at 1000 mg/kg where some increase in the number of glands and cell activity were observed. JF has mild estrogenic activity and will not interfere with reproductive functions at lower doses (10-100 mg/kg) during therapy, but high doses (up to 1000 mg/kg and above) may cause some alterations. Our data, therefore, suggest that JF is a useful candidate in the management of female reproductive health issues at lower doses.

Tocolytic activity assessment of the methanol leaf extract of Justicia flava Vahl (Acanthaceae) on mouse myometrial contractility and preliminary mass spectrometric determination of secondary metabolites.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaves of Justicia flava are traditionally used in the South of Nigeria to prevent preterm births. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, the activity of the methanol leaf extract of J. flava (JF) was investigated on uterine contractility in non-pregnant and pregnant isolated mouse tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effects on spontaneous, oxytocin, and KCl-induced contractions were determined. The effects in calcium-free media were also determined. Possible mechanisms of activity were investigated using receptor and channel modulators. Mass spectrometric analysis was additionally performed on the leaf extract to identify secondary metabolites. RESULTS: JF was observed to inhibit spontaneous, oxytocin and high KCl-induced uterine contractility. JF also inhibited contractions in Ca2+-free media. JF was found to exert its inhibitory effect via interaction with inositol triphosphate and ryanodine receptors and also through modulation of K+- channels. Lignans and alkaloids were identified with the lignans being the most abundant in JF. CONCLUSION: JF has been shown to potently inhibit uterine contractions in non-pregnant and pregnant isolated mouse uterus. The inhibitory activity of JF has been shown to occur via blockade of extracellular and intracellular calcium entry and these effects may be due to the lignans identified in - JF. JF has therefore been shown in this study to be a lead plant in the discovery of new drugs with uterine inhibitory activity.