Effect of the Aqueous
Extract of Gloriosa superba Linn (Langli) Roots
on Reproductive System and Cardiovascular Parameters in
Female Rats
Arati A Malpani1, Urmila M Aswar2,
Shiv K Kushwaha2, GN Zambare2 and
SL Bodhankar2*
1Department
of Pharmacology, HKES’s College of Pharmacy, Sedam
Road, Gulbarga 585105, 2Department of
Pharmacology, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Poona
College of Pharmacy, Erandawane, Paud Road, Pune-
411038, India
*
For
correspondence:
E-mail:
sbodhind@rediffmail.com Tel:
+91-20-25437237 Ext 29; Fax: +91-20-25439383
Received: 20 July
2010
Revised accepted: 22 February 2011
Tropical
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, April 2011; 10(2):
169-176
Abstract
Purpose:
Gloriosa superba Linn (liliaceae) has been used to
induce labor in the traditional Indian system of
medicine. The objective of the study was to evaluate the
activity of the aqueous extract of Gloriosa superba (AL)
root on the female reproductive system of rat.
Methods:
The aqueous extract of Gloriosa superba was prepared by
simple maceration. Phytochemical analysis as well as
toxicity (in mice) and antifertility studies,
uterotrophic assay, duciduoma model, uterotonic
assessment in-vitro and in-vivo of aqueous extract was
carried out in rats. Oxytocin was used as the uterotonic
reference standard. The effect of the extract on
cardiovascular parameters was also evaluated.
Results:
Phytochemical analysis shows presence of flavonoids,
tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides in the aqueous
extract of Gloriosa superba. The extract yield was 6 %
and was found to be was safe at a dose as high as 550
mg/kg body weight. Antifertility study showed early
abortificient activity. No increase in uterus and
ducidual weight was observed. Both the reference (oxytocin)
and the extract produced dose-dependent contractions but
the extract had no effect on heart parameters and blood
pressure.
Conclusion:
The aqueous extract of
Gloriosa superba showed oxytocic activity and early
abortifacient activity which may be due to the presence
of alkaloids such as colchicine. This provides
justification for its use in traditional medicine.
Keywords:
Abortificient activity;
Blood pressure; Gloriosa superba; Oxytocic activity.
