OXYTOCIC AND ESTROGENIC EFFECTS OF MONECHMA-CILIATUM METHANOL EXTRACT IN-VIVO AND IN-VITRO IN RODENTS

Various solvent extracts of the leaves of Monechma ciliatum (family Acanthecaea) were tested for oxytocic properties on uterine preparations in vivo and in vitro. The methanol extract (HME) contracted the nonpregnant uterus of the rat, guinea-pig and mouse as well as preparations obtained from guinea-pigs on days 6-7 and 11-12 of pregnancy. The rat pregnant uterus was not affected by the extract, Oral administration of HME to rats on days 15, 16 and 17 of pregnancy had no abortifacient effect compared with oxytocin, However, laparotomy on day 23 revealed fetal death in utero, The extract was also found to have oestrogenic activity based on parameters such as uterine weight ratio, premature vaginal opening and degree of vaginal cornification.