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Pharmacological evaluation of some local plant extracts claimed to be used abortifacients in folklore practice
Singh, Paul D. A; Gray, M.
Affiliation
  • Singh, Paul D. A; University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. Department of Basic Medical Sciences
  • Gray, M; University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. Department of Basic Medical Sciences
West Indian med. j ; 50(Suppl 5): 29, Nov. 2001.
Article in En | MedCarib | ID: med-147
Responsible library: JM3.1
Localization: JM3.1; R18.W4
ABSTRACT

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)
Subject(s)
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Collection: 01-internacional Database: MedCarib Main subject: Abortifacient Agents / Plant Extracts / Medicine, Traditional Type of study: Evaluation_studies Limits: Animals / Pregnancy Country/Region as subject: Caribe ingles / Jamaica Language: En Journal: West Indian med. j Year: 2001 Document type: Article
Search on Google
Collection: 01-internacional Database: MedCarib Main subject: Abortifacient Agents / Plant Extracts / Medicine, Traditional Type of study: Evaluation_studies Limits: Animals / Pregnancy Country/Region as subject: Caribe ingles / Jamaica Language: En Journal: West Indian med. j Year: 2001 Document type: Article