Stereospermum kunthianum is a plant used in traditional medicine of Burkina Faso. Ethnobotanical survey showed that this plant have many virtues but the toxicity and the effect of the leaves part on uterine contraction are not yet documented. To fill this gap, we investigated the toxicity effect on mice and the pharmacological effect of Stereospermum kunthianum on the contraction of rat isolated uterine horns. The acute and subacute toxicities were studied firstly. Secondary, the uterine segments were isolated and exposed to different concentrations of the aqueous extract of Stereospermum kunthianum leaves, oxytocin and KCl. The results showed that Stereospermum kunthianum aqueous extract decreased the amplitude and frequency of contractions. IC50 values were 1.46 and 2.03 respectively for amplitude and frequency. Our study revealed that the extract inhibited uterine contractions induced by oxytocin and potassium chloride (KCl). These data suggest that Stereospermum kunthianum active compound could be used for calming uterine contractions. The effect of Stereospermum kunthianum showed that it could be useful to fight against diseases that caused uterotonic actions. It may be useful to prevent preterm birth and pain caused by menstruation, as indicated by its traditional use.

Stereospermum kunthianum, toxicity, relaxant effects, uterine contractility, rat