title: A preliminary evaluation of antifertility activity of a triterpenoid glycoside (DSS) from Dalbergia saxatilis in female Wistar rats.
abstract: Antifertility activity of a triterpenoid glycoside, DSS, isolated from the root of Dalbergia saxatilis was investigated in female Wistar rats of breeding age. When administered by gastric intubation at a dose rate of 200 mg kg(-1)body weight at the premating period, conception was inhibited in 71.4% of the treated animals. Fertility Index (FI) for this group was 107.82 compared with 373.5 value for control rats that received 30% aqueous Tween 20 vehicle. DSS, did not significantly alter the fertility of rats at the first and second trimesters of pregnancy but did cause a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the mean Day 20 foetal crown-rump length when administered at the premating period and at the third trimester of pregnancy; with a concurrent decline in the mean maternal body weights. The potential use of DSS as a chemosterilant in fertility control are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Uchendu
authors.forename: T N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Kamalu
authors.forename: I U
authors.initials: IU
authors.lastname: Asuzu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004971:Estrus / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects*; D006027:Glycosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D006027:Glycosides; D014315:Triterpenes