Pharmacological evaluation of aqueous root extract of Selayak Hitam: lack of oxytocic activity

Aqueous root extract of Selayak Hitam a plant commonly found in Malaysian jungles and reported to have abortifacient property was screened for oxytocic effect. Results obtained from in vitro experiments on isolated uterus preparation from both pregnant and non pregnant rats and in vivo experiments on uterus contraction in rats in situ, showed that the extract lacks oxytocic effect. It is concluded that the alleged abortifacient property if any, is not mediated through oxytocin or oxytocic-like effect.