title: The possible mechanisms for the antifertility action of methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The practice of traditional medicine for the control of fertility in most parts of Ethiopia is based on the uses of plant medicines for many years. Rumex steudelii Hochst (Polygonaceae), locally known as "Tult" or "Yeberemelas" is one of the traditionally used antifertility plants in Ethiopia. In our previous study, the methanolic extract of R. steudelii root was found to show antifertility activity in female rats.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study focused further on the possible mechanisms of the antifertility effect of the methanolic extract of R. steudelii.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effect of the extract on implantation, the uterus weight of immature ovariectomized rats and serum estrogen-progesterone ratio was evaluated. Its effect on isolated guinea pig uterus in the presence and absence of uterine muscle contractions inhibitors was also assessed. Test for in vivo abortifacient effect was also carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It was found that the extract decreased the number of implantation sites significantly. At a contraceptive dose, it was also observed to have no estrogenic activity in immature rat bioassay. The extract did not affect the serum estrogen-progesterone ratio. It produced concentration dependent increase in uterine muscle contractions similar to those of the standard drug, oxytocin. Incubation of the tissue with three uterine muscle contractions inhibitors revealed that the extract produced uterine contractions perhaps by activating muscarinic and/or histaminic receptors. The in vivo abortifacient effect was not seen upon administration of both lower and higher doses of the extract in pregnant rats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All these observations suggest that the extract produced antifertility effect mainly by inhibiting implantation though antiestrogen, progesteron and uterotonic effects could as well be possible mechanisms.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Endalk
authors: E
authors: Gebrie
authors: Eyasu
authors: E
authors: Makonnen
authors: Legesse
authors: L
authors: Zerihun
authors: Asfaw
authors: A
authors: Debella
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010936:Plant Extracts; D018517:Plant Roots; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D031804:Rumex; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004967:Estrogens; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011374:Progesterone