Bryophyllum pinnatum, a herbal product used in obstetrics and gynecology: New insights into its pharmacological actions and chemical constituents

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Syn. Kalanchoe pinnata, Crassulaceae) is used in anthroposophic medicine to treat restlessness, and as a tocolytic agent to prevent premature labour. In clinical studies, treatment with B. pinnatum revealed comparable tocolytic efficacy and less side effects than standard therapy. We investigated the effect of press juice from leaves (the active ingredient in products), and of extract fractions, on the contractility of human myometrial strips. All tested samples reduced the amplitude and the area under the curve (AUC) of the contractions. Most active were the undiluted press juice and a flavonoid fraction. In addition, the press juice prevented oxytocin-induced increase of intracellular [Ca2+] in human myometrial cells in a concentration-dependent manner.