Pharmacological evaluation and antifertility activity of Jatropha gossypifolia in rats.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Pharmacological and antifertility activity evaluation of Jatropha gossypifolia in rats. METHODS: The antifertility activity of the extracts of Jatropha gossypifolia in rats was evaluated using two experimental animal models. Estrogenic activity was evaluated in immature female rats using ethinyl estradiol as standard. Anti-implantation and early abortifacient activity was performed in female Wistar rats by determining the number of implantations and implantation resorptions. RESULTS: In estrogenic activity evaluations, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts offered significant estrogen-like activity at 400 mg kg⁻¹ p.o. by increasing the uterine weight compared to vehicle control group. Ethanolic extract (400 mg kg⁻¹, p.o.) treatment significantly decreased the number of implants and increased the number of resorptions compared to vehicle control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study provide the evidence of the anti-fertility activity of Jatropha gossypifolia as claimed in the traditional use. The results are consistent with the literature reports related to the antifertility effect of flower extracts of Jatropha gossypifolia.