Abstract
Background: The study evaluated the ureotonic potentials ethanol extracts leaves of Sida acuta.
Methods: Preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out on the ethanol extract of Sida acuta Burm F. leaves. The presence or absence of phytochemicals such as saponnins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tanninis, terpenoids, steroids, carbohydrates, hydrogen cyanide, cardiac glycosides, phenols and reducing sugars were observed. Two pregnant Wistar albino rats were used for the study. The rats were killed by stunning and abdomens were cut open. The uterus were carefully isolated and transferred into dejalon solution which was continuosly bubbled with air and maintained at 37oC and 7.0 pH
Result: Phytochemical screening revealed high content of flavonoids mg/100g (6.172 ± 0.003), phenols (4.643 ± 0.006), alkaloids (4.643 ± 0.006), cardiac glycosides mg/100g (3.813 ± 0.003), and moderate contents of hydrogen cyanide (2.695 ± 0.003) while low concentrations were observed in steroids (0.512 ± 0.005), saponins (0.246 ± 0.003) and terpenoids (0.813 ± 0.003). Resins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, tannins, proteins, fats and oil were not detected. The results of the uterine contractility test showed effects compared with the normal rhythm of the uterus. Atropine did not block the extract-induced contraction. Ergomentrine in doses that blocked adrenaline induced-contraction reduced the extract-induced contraction by half. Indomethacin blocked oxytocin-induced contraction and reduced the extract-induced contraction slightly.
Conclusions: These results suggest that ethanol extract of Sida acuta leaves possesses oxytocic effects and this portends danger among pregnant women who might take the leaf infusion. The investigation substantiates its use in hastening of labour.
Key words: Key words: Acetylcholine, Adrenaline, Atropine, Contractility, Ergomentrine and Ureotonic.
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