Post-coital contraceptive activity of crude extracts of Sri Lankan marine red algae.
This study investigates the potential of marine red algae as a source for post-coital contraceptive agents using three varieties: Gracilaria corticata, Gelidiella acerosa and Jania sp. Methanol: methylene chloride (1:1) extracts of these red algae were made and were orally administered (500 or 1000 mg/kg/day) to female rats from day 1 to day 7 of pregnancy. The higher dose of Gracilaria corticata and both doses of Gelidiella acerosa extracts produced significant post-coital contraceptive activities without any marked side effects. Furthermore, the post-coital contraceptive activity of the latter extract was dose-dependent. On the other hand, extract made from Jania sp. had no significant post-coital contraceptive action. The post-coital contraceptive activity of Gracilaria corticata was due to enhanced pre-implantation loss and of Gelidiella acerosa was due to elevated post-implantation loss. These findings indicate that marine red algae is a useful source to be harvested for potential post-coital contraceptive drugs.
Ratnasooriya
W D
WD
Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Premakumara
G A
GA
Tillekeratne
L M
LM
D000818:Animals; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D000461:Rhodophyta; D013188:Sri Lanka
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital