Effects of Crude Root Extract of Polygonum hydropiper on Estrous Cycle and Induction of Reversible Sterility in Female Albino Rat

Abstract

Polygonum hydropiper is a wild plant found in Assam, a North-Eastern province of India. Tradition prevails among the folk women of Assam to use the root of this herb for fertility control. In the present investigation crude methanolic extract of root of this plant was tested for anti-fertility property in female albino rat. Adult cycling female rats were administered through oral route the crude root extract at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight/day for 12 days. Subsequently, the rats were allowed for recovery until day 63. The estrous cycle was monitored routinely through analysis of the vaginal smear. On termination of treatment the rats were allowed to mate with males and to complete the full term of gestation. The number of newborn pups was considered as the number of implantations. The estrous cycle of the extract treated rats became irregular, resulting in failure of gestation. The estrous cycle was restored following the recovery period. However, the number of newborn pups was significantly lesser than in the controls. The results reveal that the root of Polygonum hydropiper contains steroidal/estrogenic compound(s) which can affect the female reproduction in rat.