REVERSIBLE ANTIFERTILITY EFFECTS OF BENZENE EXTRACT OF PAPAYA SEED ONFEMALE RATS

The effects of benzene extract from papaya seeds and those of withdraw al (30 days each) were investigated on the physiology of ovaries and u terus of rats and their fertility. The results revealed that the treat ment did not affect ovarian steroidogenesis. On the other hand, uterin e glycogen, protein and enzymes were altered which rendered the intern al milieu hostile for implantation. The extract manifested an antifert ility effect in treated animals. The withdrawal of treatment resulted in recovery of all the induced effects of the extract and restored fer tility. Hence, the antifertility effects of the extract were transient and reversible. This is the first report of its kind using the benzen e extract of the seed.