Contragestive Activity of Citrullus Colocynthis (L.) Schrad (Bitter Apple) Extract is Via Oestrogen-Progesterone Suppression
Keywords:
Contragestive, abortifacient, Citrullus colocynthis, mifepristone, progesteroneAbstract
Citrullus colocynthis fruit is commonly used in traditional medicine as a therapy for numerous diseases, including antifertility and uterine cleansing. This study investigated the contragestive activity of Citrullus colocynthis fruit in pregnant Wistar rats. Pregnant rats were randomized into six groups (n=5 rats/group): Control (received olive oil only), MIFP (1.84 mg/kg mifepristone standard drug), while other groups were administered with 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg ethanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis (EECC) from day 6th through 14th. Thereafter, the abortifacient parameters and reproductive hormone levels were evaluated. The result obtained during the in vitro analysis of EECC using GC-FID revealed the presence of bioactive constituents like cucurbitacin B and gallic acid. However, treatment with EECC, p.o for 9 days, led to a dose-dependent decrease (p < 0.05) in foetus survival ratio at 81.48%, 66.66%, 18.75%, and 0%, with increase in EECC concentration. Likewise, the influence of the treatment resulted in a dose-dependent elevation in abortion, pre- and post-implantation losses, and resorptive index. In contrast, a decrease in implantation index and Corpora lutea was recorded. Mifepristone and 800 mg/kg EECC showed 100% post-implantation loss. Moreover, the group receiving 800 mg/kg EECC have comparable abortifacient effects with the mifepristone-treated group. Furthermore, a dose-dependent reduction in progesterone, oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin in the serum was recorded in EECC-treated rats, hence, supporting its use in folkloric medicine as a contragestive. Hence, cucurbitacin B and gallic acid present in EECC extract could be responsible for contragestive potential.
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