Comparatives Evaluation of Antifertility Potential of Leaves of Bambusa arudinacea retz. and Ficus racemosa Bark Extracts in Female Albino Rats

Article Information Received 20 Sept 2013 Received in revised form 15 Nov 2013 Accepted 16 November 2013 Abstract Ethanol and hydroalcoholic (50%) extract of B. arundinacea leaves and 50 % ethanol extract of F. racemosa barks have been evaluated for antifertility activity in proven fertile rats at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Plant extracts were tested for their effect on the estrous cycle at two dose level 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Among these three extracts, the hydroalcoholic extracts of F. racemosa was found to be most effective in causing significant antiovulatory activity. The extract did not show any significant changes in structure and function of uterus when given alone, but when given along with ethinyl estradiol, it exhibited significant antiestrognic activity in immature female rats (P<0.001). Preliminary phytochemical screening of these two drugs shows the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic, terpenoids etc. Histopathological studies of the uterus were carried out to confirm the estrogenic activity.