Effect of plumbagin free alcohol extract of Plumbago zeylanica Linn,root on reproductive system of female Wistar rats

Objective:To assess the effect of plumbagin-free alcohol extract（PFAE） of Plumbago zeylanica Linn.（Plumbaginaceae）（P.zeylanica） root,on female reproductive system and ferlility of adult Female wislar rats.Methods:After the oral acute toxicity study,the PFAE was administered at two dose levels to perform the estrous cycle study,anti-implantation and ahortifacient activity and hormonal analysis.However,the estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity was evaluated at only one most effective dose.Results:LD50 cut-off was 5 000 mg/kg body weight.The extract exhibited significant anti-implantation and ahortifacient activity at the tested dose levels（300 and 500 mg/ kg.p.o.）（P【0.01）.The extract dose-dependency decreased the levels of serum progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone,while a dose-dependent increase was observed in the concentration of serum prolactin.The extract did not show any significant changes in structure and function of Uterus when given alone,hut when given along with ethinyl estradiol,it exhibited significant antiestrogenic activity in immature overieclonzed female rats（P【0.001） Biochemical parameters in the serun/blood and haematological parameters did not show appreciable changes throughout and after the course of investigation.However,all the altered parameters returned to normalcy within 30 days following withdrawal of treatment. Conclusions:All findings suggest that the anlifcrtility activity of extract could possibly he through the changes in the implantation site,altered hormonal levels,prolonged estrous cycle and anti-estrogenic activity.Hence,the extract possesses reversible antifcrtility activity without adverse toxicity in female rats.

Reversible Antifertility Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ficus Racemosa L. in Male Mice

Objective To evaluate male antifertility activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus racemosa bark. Methods Swiss male mice were orally administered hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus racemosa bark （50 mg/kg for 30 d and 100 mg/kg body weight for next 30 d）, and the effect of the treatment on body weight, reproductive organs weight, sperm, biochemical profile （sialic acid in epididymis and fructose in seminal vesicle）, fertility and vaginal contraceptive efficacy was investigated. Recovery studies were also performed. Results Extract reduced fertility to 70% within 60 d. Suppression of cauda epididymis sperm count, motility, viability and abnormal morphology was observed. Marked reduction was noted in the weight of reproductive organs and the level of sialic acid in epididymis and fructose in seminal vesicle. Vaginal application of bark extract exhibited 80% vaginal contraceptive efficacy. After cessation of plant extract treatment, the altered parameters recovered after 60 d. Conclusion Clinical assessment of male antifertility agents should include acceptability, safety and efficacy during and after the treatment. The above results revealed the potential, reversible male antifertility effect of hydroalcoholic extract F. racemosa bark.