Evaluation of portulaca oleracea l for anti-fertility effect in female albino rats

Abstract

The objective of the study isto evaluate anti-ovulatory activity, anti-estrogenic activity, effect on uterine muscle weight chloroform extract of P. oleracea L in female albino rats. Air-dried aerial part of P. oleracea L was extracted using chloroform. Dried chloroform extract was administered orally to albino rats for 14 days. The estrous cycle was monitored every day. After completion of last dose animals were sacrificed under light anesthesia with ether. The number of ova in ovary, weight of uterus and ovary, and Biochemical changes was analyzed using standard methods. Phytochemical studies of chloroform extract were carried out using qualitative methods. P.oleraceaL extract when administered orally, a strong anti-ovulatory activity (3.8± 1.28), and Biochemical changes (131.66±2.88) was observed at the tested dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg of b w). The extract shows furthermore, significant (p>0.05) increase in uterus and ovary weight (759.33±1.547 and 112.56± 0.404) respectively at the high dose. The phytochemical studies of P. oleracea L has shown positive test for Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Carbohydrates, Phenols and Proteins. The extract of P. oleracea L has anti-fertility effect on ovulation by reducing number of ova in ovary and also Biochemical changes. The significant increase in the uterus weight was indicating that hormonal changes in body of treated animals. All these observations suggest that chloroform extract of P. oleracea L has anti-fertility effect.