Antispasmodic Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Leaf Extract on the Rat Uterus

Abstract

Zataria multiflora Boiss. is used in Iranian traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders and menrrhalgia. The inhibitory effect of this herb on rat ileum contractions is also reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. hydroalcoholic leaf extract (ZHLE) on isolated rat uterus in 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 contraction was induced by KCl, oxytocin and BaCl2 in presence and absence of certain concentrations of ZHLE. In the oxytocin studies, animals received an injection of oestradiol valerate (5mg/kg, S.C.) 24h prior to the experiment. ZHLE (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/ml) relaxed the uterus precontracted by KCl (60mM) in a dose-dependent manner (P