TOCOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTR ACT OF Peperomia galioides Kunth (CONGONA) LEAVES IN NON-PREGNANT RAT UTERUS

Quinto-Aylas W.; Poma-Aquino L.; Flores-Cortez D.; Villalobos-Pacheco E.; Ignacio-Punin C. · Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica (2026) · DOI: 10.17843/rpmesp.2026.431.15504

Resumen

Objective. To evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Peperomia galioides Kunth (congona) leaves on uterine contractility in an isolated non-pregnant rat uterus model. Materials and methods. An in vitro experimental study was conducted with 15 female rats pretreated with estrogen 48 hours prior to the experiment. Uterine horns were sectioned into 10 mm segments and mounted in an isolated organ bath under a basal tension of 1 g. The tissue was stimulated with oxytocin (10-⁶ M) and subsequently exposed to the hydroalcoholic extract of P. galioides (0.1%, 1%, and 10%) and the control. The frequency, duration, and intensity of uterine contractions were evaluated, and the percentage of inhibition was calculated. Additionally, a preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was performed. Results. All evaluated concentrations of P. galioides significantly reduced the frequency of oxytocin-induced uterine contractions compared to basal values and the control group (p < 0.001). Regarding intensity and duration, only the 1% and 10% concentrations produced a significant decrease relative to basal values (p < 0.05). However, only the 10% extract significantly inhibited intensity and duration compared to the control group. Phytochemical analysis revealed a high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Conclusion. The hydroalcoholic extract of P. galioides Kunth leaves exerts an inhibitory effect on uterine contractility in the isolated rat uterus, supporting its potential tocolytic action.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos