none 10.31254/phyto.2026.15402 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 199027238 316921 20260801014925759 10.31254 2026-08-01T01:49:34Z 2026-08-01T01:49:33Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://phytopharmajournal.com/ 07 2026 15 4 Brénam Bitalatan Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5920-1911 Tcha Pakoussi Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1994-2359 Yendubé T Kantati Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7515-494X Gaston K Kodzovi Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2960-8658 Bignoate Kombate Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9340-022X Enam A Motto Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1360-2989 Kossi Metowogo Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo Povi L Evi Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo Aklesso P Mouzou Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo Kwashi E Gadegbeku Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo Background: Alchornea cordifolia is traditionally used in West Africa to maintain pregnancy. However, no scientific study has proven its efficacy or safety in preventing miscarriage. Objective: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the tocolytic effect of the hydroethanolic extract of A. cordifolia leaves to provide scientific evidence for its use in treating pregnancy loss. Materials and Methods: Total flavonoids, total phenols and tannins were quantified in the hydro-ethanolic leaves extract of A. cordifolia. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by total antioxidant capacity, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity, and iron-reducing capacity. Its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro on rat erythrocytes using the membrane stabilization test. For tocolytic tests, myometrial flaps from Wistar rats were mounted in an organ bath containing Krebs-Henseleit physiological solution, and spontaneous contractions were recorded in the presence of the hydroethanolic extract of A. cordifolia leaves, oxytocin, misoprostol and indomethacin. Results: The A. cordifolia extract has a high antioxidant capacity of the A. cordifolia extract (243.39 ± 19.71 mg AA eq/g). It reduced the DPPH free radical (IC50 = 39.31 ± 0.69 µg/mL) compared to quercetin (IC50 = 22.27 ± 0.07 µg/mL). Compared to quercetin, the extract showed a strong iron-reducing capacity. The extract showed a strong anti-inflammatory activity by protecting erythrocyte membranes from hemolysis (IC50 = 424.6 ± 27.55 µg/mL) compared to aspirin (IC50 = 603.6 ± 193.8 µg/mL). The A. cordifolia extract (6.25 10⁻³ to 800 10⁻³ mg/mL) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the tension and frequency of spontaneous myometrial contractions. In normal physiological saline, it reduced the uterotonic effect of oxytocin (10⁻⁵ IU/mL), and in calcium-free physiological saline, it inhibited the effect of oxytocin on the myometrium at high concentrations. The A. cordifolia extract and indomethacin (1 mg/mL) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the effect of misoprostol (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁵ M) on the myometrium. Conclusion: The extract has a tocolytic effect and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These results showed that the leaves of A. cordifolia plants can be used in the prevention of miscarriages. 07 2026 199 208 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2026.15402 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/921/year=2026&vol=15&issue=4