Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Strychnos camptoneura on uterine activity in female rats. The effects of Strychnos camptoneura aqueous extract (100, 250 and 500 mL/kg) on the sexual cycle were assessed by daily vaginal smears and morning and evening anal temperature measurements. As for uterotrophic activity, rats were divided into batches and treated for 7 days with aqueous extract of Strychnos camptoneura (100, 250 and 500 mL/kg). Blood was collected from the ophthalmic vein on D0, D4 and D8 for estrogen and biochemical analysis. 24 hours later, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the uterus was removed. Aqueous extract of Strychnos camptoneura (100, 250 and 500 mL/kg) blocked the diestrus cycle in rats, resulting in non-significant weight gain. The plant is thought to contain substances with weak estrogenic effects. Temperature during ovulation in control rats peaked at 37.5 °C. However, the body temperature of treated rats did not show this peak. In uterotrophic tests, administration to rats produced no change in water imbibition, hormone levels or total cholesterol in the blood. However, the extract did not increase total protein levels in the blood of treated rats. Strychnos camptoneura probably contains substances that behave like a weak estrogen. These results suggest that Strychnos camptoneura has progestational effects that could justify its use in traditional medicine.