Path of Science: International Electronic Scientific Journal

The seed of Ricinus communis var minor (RICOM 1013-J) is a popular contraceptive among the tribal women in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Several reports have confirmed the efficacy and safety of different fractions of RICOM 1013-J, particularly the n-Hexane fraction. RICOM 1013-J appears to possess a unique contraceptive effect. This study aimed to provide further insight into the impact of RICOM 1013-J on the reproductive organs compared with the activity profile of some uterotonic drugs. A total of 20 adult albino rats (15 females and five males) weighing 150-200 g were initially divided into five groups of 3 female rats each with treatments via the oral route as follows: Groups A (2ml olive oil), others n-Hexane extract of Ricinus communis seeds (RICOM 1013-J) B (5 mg/kg), C (10 mg/kg), D (20 mg/kg) and E (30 mg/kg). After three days, the five male rats were introduced into each group (ratio of 3 females to 1 male per cage) till the end of experiments for mating. The effect of the pretreatment with the n-hexane extract of RICOM 1013-J on the rat uterus was evaluated after days 10, 30, 60 and 90. RICOM 1013-J (20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) demonstrated potent anti-conceptive effects, protecting female Wister albino rats against pregnancy for over five gestational periods. RICOM 1013-J statistically altered the regular basal activity of the uterus in a time-dependent manner (10, 30, 60 and 90 days pretreatment). Furthermore, pretreatment with RICOM 1013-J decreased the reactivity of the uterus to some uterotonic drugs, including oxytocin (2x10-3 iu/ml), ergometrine (1x10^-3 mg/ml), misoprostol (2x10^-3 mg/ml), Ach (1x10^-5 gm/ml) and potassium chloride (1x10-3 gm/ml). The contraction to misoprostol and potassium chloride in the uterus was abolished on day 90 of pretreatment. This study has demonstrated the dose-dependent efficacy of RICOM 1013-J in protecting against pregnancy for over five gestation periods in rats. This protective effect may be due to the alterations in the activity profile of smooth muscle quiescence and inertia in the uterus. In addition, the changes in the responsiveness of the uterus to the uterotonic drugs further confirm the anti-conceptive effects of RICOM 1013-J.

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