The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(4):199-208 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15402

Research Article

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tocolytic effects of Alchornea cordifolia leaves extract: implications for the treatment of miscarriages

Brénam Bitalatan¹ , Tcha Pakoussi^1,2 , Yendubé T Kantati¹ , Gaston K Kodzovi¹ , Bignoate Kombate¹ , Enam A Motto¹ , Kossi Metowogo¹ , Povi L Evi¹ , Aklesso P Mouzou¹ , Kwashi E Gadegbeku¹

Brénam Bitalatan,Tcha Pakoussi,Yendubé T Kantati,Gaston K Kodzovi,Bignoate Kombate,Enam A Motto,Kossi Metowogo,Povi L Evi,Aklesso P Mouzou,Kwashi E Gadegbeku

1. Laboratory of Physiology/Pharmacology, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, Togo
2. Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, PoBox: 1515 Lomé, Togo

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 7th May, 2026 / Accepted: 9th July, 2026 / Published : 31st July, 2026

Abstract

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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. 

Keywords

Alchornea cordifolia, Antioxidant Activity, Anti-Inflammatory Activity, Tocolytic Activity, Medicinal Plants, Miscarriage Prevention.

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