SESAMUM RADIATUM LEAVES CAN HELP CHILDBIRTH

Abstract

This study was carried out to verify the ability of Sesamum radiatum leaves to facilitate delivery. From this
investigation, it can be concluded that S. radiatum was toxic plant. This toxicity as those of many drugs can not limit its use for
therapeutic purposes. To facilitate childbirth, African populations used low doses that did not cause systemic toxicity in humans.
S. radiatum aqueous leaf extract induced hypotension which was similar to those of oxytocin (Syntocinon®) and misoprostol
(Cytotec®). As misoprostol and oxytocin, S. radiatum aqueous leaf extract caused a vasorelaxation and a stimulating effect on
uterine smooth muscle contraction. This uterotonic action (prostaglandin-like activity) showed S. radiatum ability to mobilize
calcium intra-and extra-cellular, which confirms its utéronic property. To summarize, S. radiatum had two fundamental properties
that justify the use of oxytocic-like substances to facilitate labor namely a uterotonic effect and hypotensive action. This herbal
would have a great biomedical interest in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Sesamum radiatum Schum. & Thonn.
(Pedaliaceae) can be used to facilitate childbirth in parturient women.