Maternity and medicinal plants in Vanuatu. II. Pharmacological screening of five selected species.

An ethnobotanical survey of reproductive behaviour in Vanuatu and an extensive literature search have resulted in the selection of five plant species (Asplenium nidus, Hemigraphis reptans, Homalanthus nutans, Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum, Pemphis acidula) used for purposes relating to human reproduction in that country. Preliminary screening was carried out to identify possible oestrogenic activity in these species as well as their effects on isolated rat uteri. Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum presented the most interest due to its spasmolytic activity (musculotropic type). Its mode of action has yet to be determined.