Pre-coital and post-coital anti-implantation and abortifacient activities of Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. aerial parts

Abstract

The ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the ethanolic extract of Aristolochia bracteolata was tested for pre-coital and post-coital anti-implantation and abortifacient activities in female albino rats. In the pre-coital study, the treatment at 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight showed significant and dose-related anti-implantation and abortifacient properties. In the post-coital studies at 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg body weight doses, similar results were observed. The total antifertility activity at 40 mg/kg body weight was found to be comparable to that of standard ethinyl estradiol given for the similar period. The plant merits further investigation to prove the mechanism of action and to isolate its phytoconstituents. © 2007 The Japanese Society of Pharmacognosy and Springer.