Effects of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds on the uterine smooth muscle of rat and guinea pig.

The effects of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds on the uterine smooth muscle of rats and guinea pigs was tested in vitro using isolated uterine horns. The volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds inhibited the spontaneous movements of rat and guinea pig uterine smooth muscle and also the contractions induced by oxytocin stimulation. These effects were concentration-dependent and reversible by tissue washing. These data suggest that this volatile oil may have some anti-oxytocic potential.