A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Abrus precatorius Linn on Reproductive Parameters in Female Rattus norvegicus, Wistar Strain

Aim: To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of seeds and leaves of Abrus precatorius on implantation, hormonal profile, reproductive index and sexual behavior in adult female Wistar rats.

Study Design: Female wistar rats were treated with A. precatorius extracts (30 and 60 mg kg-1) for 7 estrous cycles and mated. Mid-gestation, number of implantation sites and embryos were determined in half of the pregnant females while reproductive parameters were analyzed for the remaining animals, post parturition. For the libido and hormonal assay, sexual behavioral parameters were evaluated and serum samples assayed.

Results: A. precatorius seeds caused a decline in the fertility index, numbers of uterine implants, corpora lutea and live fetuses in a dose dependent manner. Administration of seed extract (30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg) resulted in a 30.5% and 66.7% post implantation loss respectively; however the effect of extract on libido was not significant even at the higher dose. The seed extract (60 mg/kg) significantly reduced levels of FSH, LH, PG and E2 levels and increased prolactin level. Histology results of ovary showed significant reduction in folliculogenesis in all experimental groups, but external deformities in the pups were not observed. A. precatorius leaf extract promoted fertility by reducing Progesterone and E2 levels in a manner that significantly boosted FSH and LH levels; it also caused 44%, 24% and 80% increases in the litter size for the 30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg and clomiphene treated groups respectively. The mounting frequency and lordosis quotient were significantly increased; perceptive and copulatory behaviors were remarkably noticed amongst treated rats. Laparatomy and histology showed an enhanced folliculogenesis and ovulation in treated rats.

Conclusion: A. precatorius seeds have anti fertility effect on female rats while the leaf extracts were very effective as a fertility enhancing agent.