Oxytocic properties of the aqueous extract of Globimetula braunii (loranthaceae).

The highest concentration of the crude aqueous extract of Globimetula braunii produced a contraction force of 3.60 +/- 0.25 g in isolated rat uteri.

• The extract exhibited oxytocic activity, but was less potent than oxytocin.
• At a concentration of 640 mg/ml, the extract's contraction force was similar to that of 2.7 x 10^-4 mg/ml of oxytocin.
• Oxytocin significantly enhanced the uterine contractile effect of the extract (p<0.05).
• The oxytocic effects of the extract were significantly inhibited by the smooth muscle antagonists atropine and salbutamol (p<0.05).
• These findings suggest that the leaves of Globimetula braunii may contain active principle(s) related to their traditional use in hastening delivery.

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