The effect of aqueous extract of pomegranate seed on rat uterine smooth muscle contractility

Introduction: Considering the importance of uterine contractions in uterus retraction and reducing post-partum hemorrhage and the current findings on the effect of the alcoholic extract of pomegranate seed on the uterine contractility, only few studies were made on this issue. In the present study the cumulative effect of the aqueous extract of pomegranate seed on the uterine smooth muscle contractility of virgin rats were studied. Methods: This experimental study was made on 12 strips taken from the middle part of the uterine of rats (Sprague Dawley, weight 200-250 g). During the experiments the cumulative effect of the aqueous extract of pomegranate seed (2, 22, 222, 2222, 22222 μg/ml) on the basal activity of rat uterine muscle was studied. The data were analyzed using repeated measure tests at the significance level of p<0.05. Results: The cumulative effect of different concentrations of the aqueous extract of pomegranate seed significantly increased the contractile response of uterine smooth muscle in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Conclusion: The aqueous extract of pomegranate seed could have potentials for the treatment of post-partum hemorrhages.