Pimpinella anisum extract attenuates spontaneous and agonist-induced uterine contraction in term-pregnant rats

Abstract

Ethnopharmacology relevance Pimpinella anisum is a well-known traditional medicinal herb which has been used in folk medicine as an antiulcer, anticancer, antibacterial and as a muscle relaxant. Aim of the study This study was performed to explore the modulatory effects of Pimpinella anisum on term-pregnant rat uterine contractility and to investigate its possible underlying mechanisms. Material and methods Intact uterine strips without endometrial layer were isolated from female term-pregnant Wistar rats (22 days of gestation) and mounted in a tissue bath apparatus for in vitro isometric force recording. The effects of different concentrations of Pimpinella anisum extract (PAE) (1, 3, 5, and 7 mg/mL) were examined on uterine contractions generated spontaneously or induced with oxytocin (5 nmol/L), Bay K8644 (1 μmol/L), and carbachol (10 μmol/L). In some experiments, PAE was applied on depolarized myometrium in the presence of high-KCl solution (60 mmol/L). The effect on Ca 2+ release was also examined. Results Application of PAE significantly reduced uterine contractions generated spontaneously or induced with oxytocin, Bay K8644, and carbachol in a concentration-dependent manner (n = 7; P Conclusion The present findings demonstrate the potentials of PAE to relax pregnant uterine contractions possibly by blocking Ca 2+ entry via L-type calcium channels and inhibiting Ca 2+ release from the internal store. The tocolytic effects of PAE may be a potential adjuvant against strong premature uterine contractions which threaten early pregnancy although clinical studies are required.