Contraceptive and non-estrogenic effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens root in experimental animals.
The methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens Bak root was investigated for its contraceptive activity in mice, rats and rabbits. The extract dose-dependently (0.5-1.5 g/kg) protected the animals from conception for 4-14 gestational periods in rabbits, rats and mice. It inhibited fetal implantation, as was confirmed by laparotomy on day 10 of pregnancy. The pups showed significant change in weight and length (P < 0.05-0.001) with 1.5 g/kg compared to the control fetal defects. In ovariectomized immature young rats and mice, there was a dose-dependent decrease in uterine wet weight (P < 0.001). The extract did not induce any uterotrophic effects or immature vaginal opening when compared to estrogen treated groups. Its contraceptive effect may in part be due to its anti-implantation and/or a direct effect on the uterus.
Nwafor
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PA
Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Okwuasaba
F K
FK
Onoruvwe
O O
OO
D000818:Animals; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D019668:Liliaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats
D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D010936:Plant Extracts