Tocolytic Activity of Hydroethanol Leaf Extract of Momordica Charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) in Isolated Non-Pregnant Mouse Uterus: Involvement of Extracellular Calcium Influx Inhibition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/Keywords:
Momordica charantia, Uterine contractility,, calcium channel blockade, Tocolytic Activity, Oxytocin-Induced Contractions, Smooth Muscle RelaxationAbstract
Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine for the management of various ailments, including reproductive disorders. However, its direct effects on uterine contractility remain poorly understood. This study investigated the tocolytic activity of the hydroethanol leaf extract of M. charantia (MCE) and its possible mechanisms of action in isolated non-pregnant mouse uterus. Uterine tissues obtained from estrus-phase Swiss albino mice were mounted in organ baths, and contractile responses were recorded using an isometric force transducer. The effects of cumulative concentrations of MCE (6.25–400 μg/mL) were evaluated on spontaneous contractions and contractions induced by oxytocin (14 nM), potassium chloride (KCl, 80 mM), prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α, 10⁻⁶ M), and methacholine (MCh, 10 μM). Mechanistic studies were conducted using calcium-free physiological salt solution containing EDTA, propranolol (20 μM), and tetraethylammonium (5 mM). MCE produced concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous uterine contractions, significantly reducing contraction amplitude and overall contractile activity (n = 5; p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Similar inhibitory effects were observed against oxytocin-, KCl-, PGF₂α-, and MCh-induced contractions. In calcium-free medium, MCE did not significantly inhibit oxytocin-induced transient contractions. Pretreatment with propranolol or tetraethylammonium did not abolish the inhibitory activity of MCE, although slight rightward shifts in concentration–response curves were observed. These findings provide evidence that MCE exerts potent uterine relaxant effects predominantly through inhibition of extracellular calcium influx, with a possible secondary contribution from potassium channel activation, supporting its potential as a source of novel tocolytic agents.
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