Research Article: Contractile activity ofRubus idaeusextract on isolated mouse uterine strips

Effect of Rubus idaeus L. Consumption During Pregnancy on Maternal Mice and Their Offspring

“… 51 Research in murine models found that RI has a variable effect on uterine contractility, depending on preexisting oxytocin-induced contractions, herbal preparation, and pregnancy status. 17 Similarly, application of RI to strips of animal and human uteri in vitro in nonpregnant states demonstrated mixed results, 15 , 16 although there was evidence for use as a uterotonic 18 demonstrating a physiologically active function in complementing oxytocin-induced contractions. RI extract appears to contain active constituents with muscle stimulant and spasmolytic activity, which relax isolated tissues, 52 and researchers have suggested that there are at least two RI extract compounds with relaxant activity.…”

“…RI mechanism of action has been studied in select animal models, 15–17 demonstrating evidence for use as a uterotonic. 18 While the effectiveness of ingested RI on gestation, labor, and birth processes is unknown, the bioactive components in RI extract have been identified. RI is known to contain many phytochemicals, which are primarily derivatives of alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, and glycosides.…”

An Investigation into the Use of an Herbal Labor Induction Tincture Containing Black Cohosh, Cramp Bark, Partridgeberry, and Motherwort on Contractile Responses Produced from Isolated Strips of Mouse Uterine Tissues

“…12 There are several in vitro studies, which have demonstrated strong uterine contractile responses to herbal preparations when employing isolated issues in organ baths. For example, individual aqueous extracts from the roots and rhizomes of blue cohosh Caullophylum thalactroides 16 , red raspberry leaves Rubus ideaus 17 , castor beans Ricinus communis 18 , evening primrose seeds Oenothera biennis 19 , and clary sage Salvia sclarea 20 have all been shown to produce strong contractile responses in isolated mouse uterine tissues similar to those evoked following an application of 10 -5 M oxytocin. In all cases, the uterine contractile responses to these treatments were statistically greater than those of the controls (p < 0.05), or the "0" treatment, which is the endogenous, spontaneous rhythmicity of the uterine tissue itself when under a given amount of tension.…”