The Effect of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Rosa damascena on Uterine Constriction of Virgin Rats

Background Few studies have evaluated the effect of Rosa damascena (R. damascena) on uterine smooth muscle contraction and dysmenorrhea; but, their ‎results were inconsistent. Objectives The aim of the study was to consider the effect of alcoholic extract of R. damascena flower on uterine smooth muscle contraction amplitude, duration, and frequency in virgin rats. Methods Thirty adult Wistar rats (180 - 220 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups including control, extract, and oxytocin plus extract. After anesthesia, 1.5 cm of the uterine horn was cut and placed in an organ bath. The contractile responses of the uterine smooth muscle to a cumulative concentration of alcoholic extract of R. damascena flower (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) and to oxytocin (4 mU/mL) plus alcoholic extract of R. damascena were recorded. The extract or oxytocin was diluted in 0.2 ml of De Jalon solution and added to the organ bath. The amplitude, duration, and interval of contractions were recorded. Results The alcoholic extract of R. damascena (4 mg/mL) significantly reduced the basal contractions ‎of ‎uterine smooth muscle (P = 0.004). Rosa damascena (4 mg/mL) significantly diminished oxytocin-induced uterine smooth muscle contractions (P = 0.026). The extract of R. damascena had no significant effect on the duration of normal or oxytocin-induced contractions in uterine smooth muscle. However, R. damascena (4 mg/mL) significantly reduced the frequency of uterine contraction in normal (P = 0.006) and oxytocin-induced contractions (P = 0.014). Conclusions Rosa damascena extract reduced the amplitude and frequency of the basal and oxytocin-induced contractions in the uterine smooth muscle of virgin rats. The extract may relieve dysmenorrhea and premature labor, which needs further study for more clarification.