Evaluation of tocolytic activity of ethanol extract of the stem bark of Ficus capensis Thunb. (Moraceae).

The ethanolic extract of Ficus capensis at 80 mg/mL significantly reduced uterine contractions in an isolated rat model.

• Smooth muscle relaxant activity was observed at the higher concentration, with a significant reduction in contractions induced by oxytocin, ergometrin, and acetylcholine (p < 0.05).
• At 80 mg/mL, the extract demonstrated 40% and 50% of the inhibitory effects seen with salbutamol and atropine, respectively.
• The 40 mg/mL concentration showed an insignificant effect on contractions, although a decrease in the response curve was noted.
• The study suggests that active components in the bark extract may contribute to its traditional use as an anti-abortifacient.

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