Pa. Nwafor et al., CONTRACEPTIVE AND NON-ESTROGENIC EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ASPARAGUS-PUBESCENS ROOT IN EXPERIMENTAL-ANIMALS, Journal of ethnopharmacology, 62(2), 1998, pp. 117-122
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.