Uterotonic properties of the ethanol extract of Brysocarpus coccineus

The ethanol extract of the leaves of Brysocarpus coccineus Schum. & Thorn. (Connaraceae) was investigated for uterotonic activity in non-gravid rat uteri. Repeated treatment with the extract enhanced spontaneous uterine muscle contraction. A marked increase was observed on day 14, which was sustained up to day 28. Furthermore, the extract increased the contractile force of the isolated myometrial preparation in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was not attenuated by atropine, cyproheptadine or piroxicam, but was blocked by salbutamol, suggesting the involvement of beta-adrenergic receptors. This result indicates the presence of biologically active substances with comparable effects to oxytocin on the uterus. The intraperitoneal LD50 in mice was found to be 547.7 +/- 4.3 mg/kg. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids and balsams.