Evaluation of Antifibroid potential of the fruits of Rauwolfia vomitoria l. (Apocynaceae)

Introduction: The threat posed by uterine fibroid on women is on the rise, especially in African and African-American women. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the antifibrotic effect of Rauwolfiavomitoria(L.), Apocynaceae in Wistar Rats. Methods: Dried fruits of R. vomitoria were purchased from Oja-Oba Market, Kwara State, and pulverized. Phytochemical screening was conducted on the powder using standard methods. The powder was assessed for acute toxicity in rats using Lorke’s method. The uterine fibroid was induced in the Wistar rats for thirty days using Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and then treated for thirty days with the powdered Rauwolfiavomitoriaat 400mg/kg, 800mg/kg, and 1200mg/kg. Danazol was used as a standard drug at 100mg/kg. The uterus weight ratio (uterus weight/weight of rats) was recorded. The estradiol, albumin, and total protein were assessed using standard kits after the rats were sacrificed. Results:Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of triterpenoids, tannins, anthraquinone glycosides, and alkaloids. Acute toxicity showed a Median Lethal Dose (LD50) of 5000mg/kg. The weight ratio of the uterus did not show any significant difference when compared to the control. The estradiol showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the treatment groups compared to the untreated control. Albumin and total protein of the treated groups did not show any significant difference (p<0.05) from the control. Conclusion:Rauwolfiavomitoriais safe at 5000mg/kg and effective at 400mg/kg. And the estradiol of the animals is effectively reduced indicating the ameliorating effect of fibroid.