Uterine Contractile Activity and Abortifacient Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Euphorbia heterophylla L. Leaves in Albino Rats

Background and Purpose: Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is a promising medicinal plant used as an oxytocic in folkloric medicine. The study investigated the uterotonic abortifacient effects of aqueous leaf extract (AEEH). 
 Methods: GC-MS analysis AEEH was done. In vitro experiment on contractile activity conducted uterus nulliparous female Sprague Dawley rats using isolated organ bath. determined pregnant orally administered 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg for five consecutive days.
 Results: revealed high amounts 1-butanol 3-methyl acetate, benzofuran,2,3-dihydro-, 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol, sucrose. Some classes compounds identified such phenols, terpenoids, fatty acids, aldehydes, steroid, glucoside have been associated with properties. (0.125-4 mg/mL) able to enhance uterine smooth muscles (EC50 = 3.39 × 10-1 similar oxytocin 3.99 10-4 acetylcholine (EC50=2.68 mg/mL). Pre-treatment salbutamol, indomethacin, stimulation calcium-deprived medium significantly (P<0.0001) reduced contractions induced by cumulative concentrations extract. However, there no significant change contraction tissues pre-treated atropine. abortion 50%, 83.33% animals at respectively when days. Conclusions: This demonstrates supports ethnomedicinal use oxytocic.