Abstract

IN VIVO, IN VITRO AND IN SILICO ANTI-DYSMENORRHEA STUDIES OF A. BRACTEOLATA LAM. LEAF EXTRACT AND ITS MOLECULAR DOCKING

Sowmya G., Varatharaju G., Balasaravanan T., Thangavelu K.* and Sharmila G.

ABSTRACT

Menstruation is the periodic discharge of blood and the endometrium from the uterus and vagina with a painful experience. The pain can vary from woman to woman, for some women the pain is debilitating. Painful menstruation is known as Dysmenorrhea which literally means “difficult menstruation”. Women with menstrual cramps had high levels of Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) receptor. Prostaglandin F2 alpha is made by the uterus to stop Progesterone production. NSAIDs have been found to decrease menstrual flow, which may reduce menstrual pain. Herbal or natural remedies are more effective than NSAIDs for reducing menstrual disorders. Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. is a shrub distributed throughout India, belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae. A.bracteolata Lam. is proved to have antioxidant, potent antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antihelminthus properties. The results indicates that, regular treatment of normal rats with A.bracteolata Lam. leaf extracts improve hematological parameters. In-vitro studies revealed that it has got relaxation property. In- silico screening (Docking analysis) proved that the leaf extract has got four bioactive compounds act against PGF2α receptor. Present study shows the potential for replacement of synthetic drugs by the use of natural extract.

Keywords: Menstruation, Dysmenorrhea, PGF2? receptor, A. bracteolata Lam. leaf extract.