Antifertility potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Cordia dichotoma G Forst. leaves: A folklore medicine used by Meena community in Rajasthan state in India

ObjectiveTo assess antifertility activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Cordia dichotoma G Forst. (C. dichotoma) leaves, which are traditionally used to produce sterility among the tribal women through its abortificient activity.MethodsAcute toxicity study was carried out in adult albino rats. The antifertility activity of extract at two dose level (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally) was evaluated in two experimental animal models i.e. anti-implantation and estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity in female rats by observing number of implants, vaginal cornification, body weight, uterus weight and biochemical investigation.ResultsThe extract was found to be safe up to dose of 2 000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. A good anti-implantation (81.22%) activity in female rats was observed at the tested dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg, orally). The extract further showed more significant (P<0.01) increase in uterine weight and significant change in biochemical parameters in immature rats. Simultaneous administration of extract along with ethinyl estradiol showed significant estrogenic activity.ConclusionsThe results suggest that hydro alcoholic extract of C. dichotoma leaves possess significant antifertility activity, which is consistent with the literature report in folk medicine of this plant in fertility regulation.