Evaluation of oxytocic and hematological effects of the root bark of Spondais mombin (Anacardiaceae)

Certain abnormalities in uterine muscle contractility during pregnancy and birth could result to some clinical implications such as preterm labour, a major cause of maternal and prenatal mortality and a contributor to childhood developmental problems. The current interventional agents do have some deleterious effects on mother and baby [1]. However, plant- based alternatives are quite popular especially in developing world. Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) is used traditionally in natal and post-natal problems. The present study was carried out to evaluate the oxytocic and hematological effects of the methanol extract of root bark of Spondias mombin (SPM) in female albino rats. Phytochemical screening of the extract was also done. The oxytocic effect was done in isolated tissue experiment (pregnant and stilbesterol pretreated non-pregnant model) while the hematological study was done using whole animal at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. The rats uterine segments were exposed to graded bath concentration of SPM and the standard drugs, oxytocin (OXT) and acetycholine (ACH), and the responses were recorded using a kymograph at 37 °C [2]. The hematological indices of the animals were determined on weekly basis for three weeks. Results showed that SPM contracted the uterine horns of both the pregnant and stilbesterol pretreated non-pregnant rats similar to OXT and ACH in a concentration dependent manner. Hematological indices revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the red blood cells, hemoglobin level and hematocrit level due to treatment with SPM (400 mg/kg). Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, saponin, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and terpenoids. The results suggest that the root bark of SPM is safe and has oxytocic effect, thereby justifying the ethnomedicinal use of the plant in obstetrics practice.

Keywords: Hematological effect, oxytoxic effect, phytochemical analysis, Spondias mombin.

References:

[1] Gruber CW, O'Brien M. Uterotonic Plants and their Bioactive Constituents. Planta Med 2011; 77: 207 – 220.

[2] Shamaki BU, William A, Abdullahi A, Sadiq AA. Phytochemical constituents and uterotonic effects of aqueous extract of Cotropis procera leaves on excised uterine segments of albino rats. Eur J Pharm Med Res 2015; 2: 20 – 29.