In vivo Evaluation of Antifertility Activity of Aqueous and Butanol Fractions of Methanolic Root Extract of Rumex steudelii in Female Mice and Rats

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, to control fertility, traditional medicines have been used for many years. The crude methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii (Tult) is believed to have anti-fertility effect.

Objectives: To identify fraction(s) of crude methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii responsible for antifertility effect, to suggest the possible mechanisms, to determine the oral Lethal Dose, 50% (LD50), and to screen the phytochemicals for the fractions.

Methods: Preliminary screening for the antifertility activity was conducted in female mice at 700mg/kg and 900mg/kg using aqueous and butanol fraction from January to November, 2011, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia . Besides effect of the fractions at 900mg/kg on implantation, serum estrogen, progesterone, and cholesterol, the weight of genital organ and body weight was carried out.

Results: The fractions reduced the number of litters at 700mg/kg and 900mg/kg (p<0.01). The aqueous fraction

decreased implantation site (p<0.05) which was further supported by increase in serum progesterone level (p<0.001). The wet weight of the uterus was shown also to be reduced significantly (p<0.05). The LD50 of the aqueous and butanol fractions was found to be 10.475g/kg and 7.080g/kg, respectively. Determination of the secondary metabolites in these fractions indicated the presence of phytosterols, polyphenols and tannins, which could be responsible constituents for their antifertility effects.

Conclusion: The aqueous fraction showed more antifertility activity and higher lethal dose than butanol fraction. Further investigations on the quantity of screened phytochemicals and efficacy, safety, isolation, characterization and structural elucidation of active principles on these fractions should be conducted. Moreover the antifertility effects and phytochemical screening of other fractions need to be investigated.