Effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum versus fenoterol on uterine contractility

Abstract

To characterise the phytotherapeutic tocolytic Bryophyllum pinnatum in vitro versus the conventional betamimetic, fenoterol, in human myometrium. STUDY DESIGN: Contractility (endpoints: area under the curve (AUC), amplitude and frequency of isometric force development) was measured in strips of term myometrium biopsied at caesarean section in 14 women and exposed to increasing concentrations of B. pinnatum versus +/-oxytocin 1 U/l. RESULTS: Inhibition of spontaneous contraction by B. pinnatum was concentration-dependent: 16% at maximum concentration (10(4) mg/l), or 53% that with fenoterol 5 x 10(-8)mol/l. B. pinnatum increased contraction frequency by 91% at constant amplitude and inhibited oxytocin-stimulated contractions by 20% (AUC) at constant amplitude with slightly decreased frequency. Fenoterol decreased contraction AUC by 50% with a significant decrease in frequency. CONCLUSION: Our in vitro data confirm the tocolytic activity of B. pinnatum observed in alternative medicine centres and may justify further clinical studies. Effect of AbstractObjective: To characterise the phytotherapeutic tocolytic Bryophyllum pinnatum in vitro versus the conventional betamimetic, fenoterol, in human myometrium. Study design: Contractility (endpoints: area under the curve (AUC), amplitude and frequency of isometric force development) was measured in strips of term myometrium biopsied at caesarean section in 14 women and exposed to increasing concentrations of B. pinnatum versus fenoterol AE oxytocin 1 U/l. Results: Inhibition of spontaneous contraction by B. pinnatum was concentration-dependent: 16% at maximum concentration (10 4 mg/l), or 53% that with fenoterol 5 Â 10 À8 mol/l. B. pinnatum increased contraction frequency by 91% at constant amplitude and inhibited oxytocin-stimulated contractions by 20% (AUC) at constant amplitude with slightly decreased frequency. Fenoterol decreased contraction AUC by 50% with a significant decrease in frequency. Conclusion: Our in vitro data confirm the tocolytic activity of B. pinnatum observed in alternative medicine centres and may justify further clinical studies. #

Bryophyllum pinnatum and Related Species Used in Anthroposophic Medicine: Constituents, Pharmacological Activities, and Clinical Efficacy

“…The extract also showed a relaxant effect on oxytocin-induced contractions. Fenoterol decreased myometrial contractions and frequency [70]. Subsequently, the in vitro effects on spontaneous contractions in myometrial strips was investigated with B. pinnatum leaf press juice, and with three fractions of B. pinnatum extract, labelled as flavonoid, bufadienolide, and cinnamic acid fractions.…”

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“…Besides, it inhibits IL-2 and IL-4 production without cell toxicity. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lmk) Pers is not toxic 23 and also safe for maternity since it reduces the uterine contractility 24 . This "miracle plant" is widely used as traditional in Africa and Bangladesh for many purposes 25,26 .…”

Prescribing pattern of Bryophyllum preparations among a network of anthroposophic physicians

“…This neurosedative effect was corroborated by a later study that in addition revealed muscle-relaxant properties of a leaf extract of B. pinnatum [40]. Musclerelaxing effects of aqueous extracts from B. pinnatum leaves are particularly well-documented in the case of preterm uterus contractions both at the clinical level [13] and in vitro, using strips of myometrium [14,15].…”