Evaluation of the Oxytocic and Safety Profile of Ethanol Fruit Extract of Xylopia aethiopica in Female Wistar Rats

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.