Antifertility activity of Ricinus communis seed in female guinea pigs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anti-fertility effect of Ricinus communis seed extract.


METHODS
Laboratory-based experiment.


METHODS
Laboratory of the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1996.


RESULTS
The seed extract was found to possess anti-implantation and abortifacient effects. It was also observed that the seed extract prolonged the oestrus cycle of guinea pigs. The dioestrus phase was significantly prolonged as well. After stopping administering the extract, however, the normal dioestrus phase and oestrus cycle started to resume. The seed extract also reduced the weight of the uterus without affecting that of the ovaries significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Ricinus communis possesses an anti-fertility effect in female guinea pigs, which might be extrapolated in human beings. These findings might support the accredited claim of its traditional use to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Further studies, however, should be pursued.
Makonnen
E
E
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Zerihun
L
L
Assefa
G
G
Rostom
A A
AA
D000019:Abortifacient Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002367:Ricinus communis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004971:Estrus / Q000187:drug effects*; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010947:Plants, Toxic; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects
D000019:Abortifacient Agents; D003270:Contraceptive Agents