Evaluation of the Oxytocic and Safety Profile of Ethanol Fruit Extract of Xylopia aethiopica in Female Wistar Rats
Published: 2024-07-24
Page: 115-129
Issue: 2024 - Volume 7 [Issue 1]
Amuchechukwu Veronica Nwafor
Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Eugene Ohams Ohanme *
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndifu- Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Uzochukwu Ofonakara
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndifu- Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Clementina Nkiru Eze
Department of Nursing Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Francis Chigozie Okoroafor
Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Chukwujioke Bobbie Iwe
Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Onuchukwu Victor Uchenna
Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Abraham Bong Onwe
Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Grace Ngozi Orofuke
Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Asaba, Nigeria.
Samuel Ghasi
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate the oxytocic effects of ethanol fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica (X. aethiopica). Pregnancy describes the period of fetal development in the uterus until delivery. Pregnancy, labour, and puerperium present challenges that encourage the use of medications to relieve symptoms, terminate the pregnancy and prevent primary postpartum haemorrhage. Some pregnant women still rely on herbal remedies for the treatment of pregnancy-related problems. X. aethiopica is a natural spice used in preparing soup for women after delivery to prevent primary postpartum haemorrhage. Sixty-six adult Wistar rats comprising 12 males for mating and 44 females that weighed 150–180g were used in this study. Acute toxicity test, qualitative phytochemical analysis, abortifacient, and oxytocic studies were all done. Statistical analysis was done using IBMSPSS version 26. The results were presented as mean ± standard deviation while comparison between groups was done using One-Way Analysis of Variance ANOVA with subsequent analysis using Post Hoc Test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Median LD50 was established to be 1703 mg/kg in rats. The phytochemical analytes were found to be Flavonoids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, and steroids. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the body weight of the animals treated with X. aethiopica. The extract did not have an oxytocic effect on the postpartum uterus like oxytocin. It rather caused relaxation of the uterus. Ethanol fruit extract of X. aethiopica did not exert an oxytocic effect on female Wistar rats. It is, therefore, not recommended in the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage.
Keywords: Oxytocin, postpartum, haemorrhage, pregnancy