Evaluation of the Proposed Inhibitory Effect of the Aqueous Stem-Bark Extract of Ficus exasperata on Uterine Preparations in vitro

The effect of the aqueous stem-bark extract of Ficus exasperata CASE) was studied on oxytocin- and acetylcholine-induced uterine contractions in uterine preparations isolated from non-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats in oestrus. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was also performed. There were no statistically significant increases in the concentrations of oxytocin and acetylcholine required to elicit 30 and 50% of maximwn response (EC30 and ECso, respectively) in the presence of the extract. Salbutamol and atropine, however, significantly inhibited the effects of oxytocin and acetylcholine, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins and saponin glycosides. These results indicate that ASE possesses no inhibitory effect on the non-pregnant rat uterus as claimed by traditional healers.