Anti-Fertility Effects of Leaf Extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn in Female Wistar Rats
Abstract
The effects of ethanolic leaf-extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was investigated in thirty mated female rats. The rats were categorized into three (3) major groups containing two (2) sub-groups each of five (5) rats per group. Five male rats of proven virility were used to mate the female rats and those found in proestrus phase of cycle were caged with the males of proven fertility. Vaginal smears from each rat were monitored daily and examined for
evidence of copulation. Rats with evidence of thick vagina plugs were examined for clumps of spermatozoa in vagina smears. The uteri and ovaries were excised and these tissues were fixed in formol saline for further
histological analysis. The histologic report of the ovaries in Group A1 (control) showed numerous normal ovarian follicles at various stages of maturation containing granulosa and luteal cells surrounded by the ovarian stroma.
Group B1 which was treated with H. rosa-sinensis showed paucity of ovarian follicles, degenerative changes, vacuolation in the ovarian stroma and lack of germ cell maturation. Group C1 treated with saline had normal ovaries. The uteri of the sacrificed H. rosa-sinensis-treated rats were all almost empty with no implants, but in one of the rats from this group, a resorption site was seen. The group treated with the extract that was allowed to carry to term (Group B2) did not litter and no evidence of pregnancy was seen in all during the first month, but they later littered following subsequent month mating. This study generally demonstrates reversible antifertility effect of H.
rosa-sinensis, which is indicative of its usefulness as possible contraceptive agent.
evidence of copulation. Rats with evidence of thick vagina plugs were examined for clumps of spermatozoa in vagina smears. The uteri and ovaries were excised and these tissues were fixed in formol saline for further
histological analysis. The histologic report of the ovaries in Group A1 (control) showed numerous normal ovarian follicles at various stages of maturation containing granulosa and luteal cells surrounded by the ovarian stroma.
Group B1 which was treated with H. rosa-sinensis showed paucity of ovarian follicles, degenerative changes, vacuolation in the ovarian stroma and lack of germ cell maturation. Group C1 treated with saline had normal ovaries. The uteri of the sacrificed H. rosa-sinensis-treated rats were all almost empty with no implants, but in one of the rats from this group, a resorption site was seen. The group treated with the extract that was allowed to carry to term (Group B2) did not litter and no evidence of pregnancy was seen in all during the first month, but they later littered following subsequent month mating. This study generally demonstrates reversible antifertility effect of H.
rosa-sinensis, which is indicative of its usefulness as possible contraceptive agent.
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