Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze (Kacip Fatimah) stimulates uterine contraction in rats in post-partum period

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze has traditionally been used to firm the uterus after delivery, however scientific evidences behind this claim is still lacking. Aims of study: To demonstrate Marantodes pumilum leaves aqueous extract (MPE) has an effect on uterine contraction after delivery and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: Day-1 post-delivery female rats were given MPE (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day) orally for seven consecutive days. A day after the last treatment (day-8), rats were sacrificed and uteri were harvested and subjected for ex-vivo contraction study using organ bath followed by protein expression and distribution study by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques, respectively. The proteins of interest include calmodulin-CaM, myosin light chain kinase-MLCK, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+-ATPase (SERCA), G-protein α and β (Gα and Gβ), inositol-triphosphate 3-kinase (IP3K), oxytocin receptor-OTR, prostaglandin (PGF)2α receptor-PGFR, muscarinic receptor-MAChR and estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms α and β. Levels of estradiol and progesterone in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Results: Ex-vivo contraction study revealed the force of uterine contraction increased with increasing doses of MPE. In addition, expression of CaM, MLCK, SERCA, Gα, Gβ, IP3K, OTR, PGF2α, MAChR, Erα and ERβ in the uterus increased with increasing doses of MPE. Serum analysis indicate that estradiol levels decreased while progesterone levels remained low at day-8 post-partum in rats receiving 250 and 500 mg/kg/day MPE. Conclusions: These findings support the claims that MPE help to firm the uterus and pave the way for its use as a uterotonic agent after delivery.

Thapsigargin-resistant thiacalix[4]arene C-1087-sensitive component of the contractile activity in rat myometrium reflects the functioning of plasma membrane calcium pump

“…Three SERCA isoforms are expressed in the uterine tissue: 2a, 2b, and 3; the first two dominate in SMC, while SERCA3 is mainly endothelial (Floyd & Wray, 2007;Wan Omar et al, 2019). Blocking of SERCA using its selective inhibitor -cyclopiazonic acid -induces the increase in the intracellular concentration of Ca 2+ in SMC of the myometrium along with the changes of phase contraction parameters: the increase in their amplitude and duration (Floyd & Wray, 2007).…”

Authentication of Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze: A Systematic Review

“…Additionally, ancient communities employed the M. pumilum to treat diarrhoea, rheumatism, gonorrhea and flatulence ( Burkill, 1966 ). Numerous research has shown that M. pumilum has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, antioxidative, xanthine oxidase inhibitory, phytoestrogenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-hyperuricemia, anti-osteoporotic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective effect, and uterotonic ( Norhaiza et al, 2009 ; Choi et al, 2010 ; Karimi et al, 2011 , 2013 ; Pihie et al, 2011 ; Jamal et al, 2012 ; Mamat et al, 2014 ; Pandey et al, 2014 ; Dianita et al, 2016 ; Hairi et al, 2018 ; Wan Omar et al, 2019 ; Aladdin et al, 2020 ; Rahmi et al, 2020 ).…”