Search

The ethanol extract of the Crotalaria juncea seeds, which showed promising antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities in albino mice, was taken up further for the isolation of the active fractions present in it. Two fractions that were obtained from thin layer chromatography were subjected for testing to know their antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities. After preliminary trials the fraction I showed maximum antifertility activity at the dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight when administered orally to the rats for 50 days. The fraction I was found to affect spermatogenesis as well as the endocrine functions of the testis as indicated by gravimetric, histopathological and biochemical changes. Further this fraction has caused degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells of the testis. The accessory reproductive organs like epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, prostrate, Cowper's gland and Levator Ani muscle showed significant malfunction. Cauda epididymal sperm count and sperm motility were reduced significantly. The treatment has also resulted in increase in the cholesterol level and alkaline phosphatase activity, and decrease in protein, glycogen, sialic acid contents and acid phosphatase activity in testis. It is noteworthy that RIA studies have shown significant reduction in serum FSH, LH and testosterone. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed abnormalities in sperm structure.

In the present investigation twelve indigenous medicinal plants have been screened for their antiimplantation activity in albino rats. The plant material was subjected for soxhlation successively and separately from non-polar solvents to polar solvents i.e., petroleum ether benzene and ethanol. Out of these three extracts the petroleum ether extract of seeds of Citrus medica, aerial part of Oxalis corniculata and Tinospora cardifolia have showed maximum antiimplantation activity. Ethanol extract of leaves of Cardiospermum helicacabum, roots of Echinops echinatus, leaves of Melia azedarach, seeds of Momordica charantia and bark of Terminalia bellirica have shown maximum antiimplantation activity amongst the three extracts of each plant material screened. Though all the three extracts of seeds of Annona squamosa and leaves of Zizyphus jujube screened for antiimplantation activity, no extract has showed any loss in implantation. The details of the results obtained are discussed.

Petroleum ether, benzene and alcohol extracts of seeds of C. juncea administered orally at the dose level of 25mg/100g body weight to adult female mice for 30 days, resulted in irregular estrous cycle with prolonged estrus and metaestrus and reduced diestrus and proestrus during the experimental period. Histological studies of the ovary indicate increases in the number of atretic follicles but decreases in the number of developing follicles, Graafian follicles and corpora lutea. The total cholesterol content of the ovary is increased, whereas ascorbic acid content is decreased. The weight of the uterus and its micrometric measurement in all experimental mice are increased significantly. The alcoholic extracts showed estrogenic activity in immature mice by early opening of the vagina, premature cornification of the vaginal epithilium and increases in uterine weight. However, alcohol extract of seeds of C. juncea was more effective in causing these changes compared to other extracts. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screenings alcohol extract showed positive; test for alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, flavones, phenols and tannins.

Petroleum ether, benzene and alcohol extracts of the seeds of C. juncea were tested for antiimplantation and pregnancy interruption activities in female albino rats. Of these three extracts, the alcohol extract was found to be the most effective in causing antiimplantation and pregnancy interruption activities. These adverse effects on fertility are reversible upon withdrawal of the extract treatments. The alcohol extract was found to possess estrogenic activity. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screening, the alcohol extract showed positive tests for alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoides, fixed oils, phenols and tannins.