title: Antispasmodic effects of Citrus aurantium flowers aqueous extract on uterus of non-pregnant rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Citrus aurantium is a small citrus tree, with scented white flowers. The C. aurantium is used in Asian herbal medicine primarily to treat digestive problems.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract on uterine contraction in presence of some known uterus stimulants.
  
  
  METHODS
  In experimental study 30 virgin Wistar rats 200-300gr were obtained. After laparatomy, a piece of Uterus was dissected out and mounted in an organ bath (10ml) containing De Jalon (29°C) and contracted by KCl (60mM), oxytocin (10mU/ml) and barium chloride (4mM) then the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract (1-8 mg/ml) on the uterine contractions was investigated.μμthe role of β-adrenoceptors, opioid receptors were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cumulative concentrations of the extract (1-8 mg/ml) decreased KCl, oxytocin and barium chloride induced uterine contractions, dose-dependently (p<0.001). C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract was unaffected on incubation the tissue with propranolol and naloxone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It seems that the extract induced antispasmodic effect mainly via calcium influx blockade. However, neither β-adrenoceptors nor opioid receptors were involved. Since the extract has antispasmodic effect on uterus contraction therefore we can suggest that more study will be necessary to relief dysmenorrheal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Physiology and Diabetes Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Akram
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahangarpour
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Ali Akbar
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Oroojan
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Ashraf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Amirzargar
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghanavati
keywords: Antispasmodic; Citrus aurantium; Naloxone; Propranolol; Rat; Uterus