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The effect of the aqueous stem-bark extract of Ficus
exasperata (ASE) was studied on oxytocin- and acetylcholine-induced
uterine contractions in uterine preparations isolated from non-pregnant
Sprague-Dawley rats in oestrus. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was
also performed. There were no statistically significant increases in the
concentrations of oxytocin and acetylcholine required to elicit 30 and
50% of maximum response (EC30 and EC50, respectively)
in the presence of the extract. Salbutamol and atropine, however, significantly
inhibited the effects of oxytocin and acetylcholine, respectively. Phytochemical
analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins and saponin glycosides.
These results indicate that ASE possesses no inhibitory effect on the
non-pregnant rat uterus as claimed by traditional healers.
