Pharmacological Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue Cohosh) on Isolated Mus musculus Uteri
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The roots and rhizomes of Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohos), traditionally used as an aid for childbirth, contain several active alkaloids and saponins, which act directly on uterine smooth muscle resulting in an oxytocic response. The historical use of this herbal supplement has been well documented, but there are few clinical studies addressing its efficacy and potential side effects. This research investigated the physiological and pharmacological responses of blue cohosh on isolated strips of murine uterine tissue. Uterine horns from mice were suspended in a smooth muscle bath and exposed to the aqueous extract of blue cohosh (doses ranging from 0.037-23.8 mg). All tissues showed an increase in the strength of contractile force, the frequency of the contraction, and basal tonus. Contractile forces were significantly greater with higher doses (P = 0.0027). The stages of estrous were determined by vaginal smears and dose-dependency was consistent in all stages of estrous observed (diestrus, estrus, metestrus). Blocking experiments with d-tubocuranine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist, were inconclusive as decreases in contractile responses were not statistically different from the observed fatigue following control cumulative dosing.
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Publication Title
Bios
Volume
79
Issue
3
First Page
103
Last Page
114
Publication Date
9-2008
DOI
https://www.jstor.org/stable/25433832
Recommended Citation
Berger, Jennifer and DeGolier, Teresa F., "Pharmacological Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue Cohosh) on Isolated Mus musculus Uteri" (2008). Biological Sciences Faculty Publications. 27.
https://spark.bethel.edu/biology-faculty/27
Comments
Student author: Jennifer Berger, Biological Sciences graduate
JStor stable URL - https://www.jstor.org/stable/25433832