Chemical screening, negative chronotropic and positive inotropic effects of aqueous extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schummach. & Thonn) Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) on uterine motricity

Abstract

The uterus is the essential organ in reproduction. Its dysfunction can be the origin of the difficulties of conception, the miscarriages and the threats of abortion. To contribute to the valorisation of uterotropic plants used in Congolese traditional medicine, we performed a chemical screening by tube reaction and evaluated the effect of Alchornea cordifolia leaves extract on the guinea-pig uterus. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia contains many flavonoids, cardiotonic heterosides, anthocyanins and saponoids; moderate steroids and terpenoids; and a few alkaloids. This extract administered at the doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg by vaginal route increased significantly the amplitude of uterine contractions (*** p ˂ 0.001) and latency (p ˂ 0.01), and decreased the frequency (P ˂ 0.01) of uterine contractions. These negative chronotropic and positive inotropic effects are related to the presence of its secondary metabolites. These results are in harmony with the use of this plant in traditional medicine as emmenagogue and oxytocic.