[Spasmolytic effect of Teucrium polium on virgin rat uterus]

Teucrium polium [locally known as chez or kalporeh in Khuzestan Province, Iran] is used traditionally as remedy for treatment of headache, convulsion and dysmenorrheal; and also its hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antibacterial effects has been reported. But its spasmolytic effect on uterine smooth muscle remained to be identified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Teucrium polium aqueous extract [TPAE] on virgin rat uterus contractions evoked by some stimulants. Freshly dried aerial parts of plant were extracted. Contractile responses were recorded isometrically in an organ bath containing Tyrode's or De Jalon solutions under 1g initial tension. Results indicated that extract [0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/ml] reduced the uterus contractions induced by KCl [60mM], oxytocin [10mU/ml] and BaCl2 [4mM] dose dependently and significantly [P<0.0001]. The spasmolytic effect of extract was totally reversible in less than 10min. The spasmolytic effect of TPAE was unaffected by L-NAME [300 and 100 microM] in KCl- or oxytocin-induced contractions receptively. Spasmolytic effect of extract was unaffected by propranolol [1microM for 5 min] in KCl-induced contractions but, reduced significantly in oxytocin-induced contraction. In normal calcium De Jalon solution, the contractions-induced by BaCl[2], were more attenuated by extract than in calcium free solution. The data presented seem to suggest that the spasmolytic effect of Teucrium polium aqueous extract is partially induced via blocking the voltage dependent calcium channels and remaining effect is through involvement of the 3-adrenoceptors and stimulating the cAMP synthesis. In this inhibitory effect, NO is not involved

[Spasmolytic effect of zataria multiflora boiss leaf extract on rat uterus]

Zataria multiflora Boiss is used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders and menrrhalgia. The inhibitory effect of this herb on rat ileuni contractions has also been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss hydroalcoholic leaf extract [ZHLE] on isolated rat uterus in the presence of some known uterus stimulants. Pieces of virgin adult rat uterus were mounted in an organ bath containing Tyrode or De Jalon solutions. Uterus contractions were induced by KCI, oxytocin and BaC1[2] in presence and absence of ZHLE. Animals in oxytocin studies received an injection of oestradiol valerate [5mg/kg, s.c.] 24 h prior experiment. ZHLE [0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/ml] relaxed the uterus precontracted by KC1 [60mM] in a dose-dependent manner [p<0.0001] and at 2mg/mi attenuated the BaC1[2] [4mM]-induced uterus contraction significantly [p<0.001]. The inhibitory effect of ZLHE on KC1-induced uterus contraction was unaffected by propranolol [1 micro M]. in normal IDe Jalon solution, ZHLE [0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml] reduced the oxytocin [10mU/ml]-induced contraction dose-dependently [p<0.0001] but in Ca[2+]-free Dc Jalon solution, the stimulatory effect of oxytocin was weaker and also the inhibitory effect of ZHLF was more consistent. In presence of atropine [0.5jiM], acetylcholine [0.5jiM] failed to induce contraction but KC1 [30mM]-evoked contraction and extract diminished the contractile response of KC1. The spasmolytic effect of extract [2mg/ml] on KC1-induced contraction was unaffected by naloxone [1 micro M]. From the obtained results it may be concluded that, the ZHLE may induce its inhibitory effect through blockage of the voltage dependent calcium channels and releasing calcium from intracellular stores in rat uterus smooth muscle. The ineffectiveness of propranolol and naloxone on ZLHE inhibitory effect indicates that adrenergic and opoids agonist substance[s] did not exist in the extract. it seems that there was no anticholinergic substance[s] in the extract. The results support the usage of this plant in traditional medicine