granatum Flower Extracts on the Uterus of Non-pregnant Rats

Background: Punica granatum Linn. (PG) is native to the Mediterranean region. Its flower exhibited antioxidant activity. The present study attempt to investigate the effect of these extract on uterine contraction and its possible mechanism(s). Methods: Thirty five female Wistar rats (200−300 g) at estrous phases of cycle was examined in this study; pieces of virgin adult rat uterus (1.5 cm) were suspended in an organ bath containing 10 ml of De Jalon solution at 29 °C. Tissue contractility was isometrically recorded. KCl (60 mM), BaCl2 (4 mM) and oxytocin (10 mU/ml) were applied to the tissue in the presence and absence of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/ml). Propranolol (1 µM) and naloxane (1 µM) were added in KCl induced contractions. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and p<0.05 were considered as significant. Results: Cumulative concentration of extracts reduced uterine contractions induced by KCl dose-dependently (p<0.01). Extracts in a dose dependent (p<0.05) reduced uterine contractions decreased dose-dependently after of addition oxytocin. The ex