CONTRACEPTIVE AND NON-ESTROGENIC EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ASPARAGUS-PUBESCENS ROOT IN EXPERIMENTAL-ANIMALS

The methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens Bak root was investigate d for its contraceptive activity in mice, rats and rabbits. The extrac t dose-dependently (0.5-1.5 g/kg) protected the animals from conceptio n for 4-14 gestational periods in rabbits, rats and mice. It inhibited fetal implantation, as was confirmed by laparotomy on day 10 of pregn ancy. The pups showed significant change in weight and length (P < 0.0 5-0.001) with 1.5 g/kg compared to the control fetal defects. In ovari ectomized immature young rats and mice, then was a dose-dependent decr ease in uterine wet weight (P < 0.001). The extract did not induce any uterotrophic effects or immature vaginal opening when compared to est rogen treated groups. Its contraceptive effect may in part be due to i ts anti-implantation and/or a direct effect on the uterus. (C) 1998 El sevier Science Ireland Ltd. AII rights reserved.