Aim of this research was to evaluate the anti-ovulatory effect of Jatropha gossypifolia leaves. The animals used in this method were female rats divided into 3 groups (n=6), fasted overnight and allowed free access to water ad libitum. Different groups of female rats were treated with test drug at 150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. vaginal smear from each rat was examined daily for 15 days and those rats exhibited three regular cycles were used. Drugs and vehicle were started in the estrous phase and administered orally, daily for 15 days. Group I received vehicle only (1% gum acacia, p.o. daily) and served as control. Groups II and III received ethanolic extract of J. gossypifolia at 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The 15-day treatment was to cover three regular estrous cycles. Vaginal smear from each animal was observed every morning between 9-10 A.M. On the 16th day, 24 hours after the last treatment, the rats from each group were anesthetized and sacrificed. Ovaries and uteri were dissected out, freed from extra deposition and weighed on a sensitive balance. Ethanolic extract of J. gossypifolia at 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg showed no change in the weight of ovaries and cholesterol level, when compared with vehicle treated group. The present experimental findings suggest that, the ethanolic extract of Jatropha gossypifolia markedly shows anti-ovulatory effect. Further detailed study using different animal species to establish its antifertility activity and understand the underlying cellular mechanism of action.
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