OGBEBOR JOHN TIMOTHY

It has been reported (Umoh 1998), that the peppery fruits of Dennettia tripetala usually find application in food meant for pregnant women. Moreover, Dennettiatripetala seeds are very important in the diets of women after childbirth, during which time it is claimed that spices and herbs aid the contraction of the uterus (Achinewhel et al., 1995). The uterine activities of this important fruit have not been fully documented. Little is known of the uterine activity of Dennettiatripetalafruit despite its widespread multipurpose uses as food and drugs. The present study was designed to determine the uterine activity of Dennettiatripetala fruit and, consequently.The cumulative concentrations (0.01-12.21 mg/ml) of the methanolic extract of DT was tested on rhythmic spontaneous uterine contraction, while the most potent concentration 3.5 mg/kg of DT extract was tested on oxytocin (OT), high potassium chloride (KCl)-induced uterine contractions and OT-induced uterine contractions in a calcium deprived state. DT extract produced significant (P<0.05) decrease in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions with IC50 of 0.99 ± 0.06 and 0.83 ± 0.40 mg/ml respectively. As well as OT (11.62 nM)-induced frequency of myometrial contractions and OT (11.62 nM)-induced contractions in calcium deprived state containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and significant changes on high KCl (80 mM)-induced myometrial contractions. These observations may explain the effect of DT and its folkloric use in the food of pregnancy women, however further studies are advised to know the direct mechanism of action and to characterize and isolate specific bio-constituents responsible for the observed effects.