Abortifacient and antioxidant activities of different extracts of Musa rosacea

ObjectiveTo evaluate abortifacient and antioxidant activity of Musa rosacea (M. rosacea).MethodsAbortifacient activity was evaluated in rats, compared with standard drug (Mifepristone) and antioxidant activity was evaluated by using three free radicals (Superoxide, Hydroxyl and DPPH).ResultsThe extracts showed preimplantation loss, postimplantation loss of implantations and decreased the survival ration of foetuses. Among all extracts hydroalcoholic extract showed better activity. The selected plant extracts showed concentration dependent percentage inhibition of free radicals. Among four extracts hydroalcoholic extract showed better activity with IC50 values on superoxide, hydroxyl and DPPH radicals were 180 μg, 218 μg and 116 μg.ConclusionFrom the results obtained during the study it could be concluded that M. rosacea extracts have abortifacient and antioxidant components and the results support its folklore usage as abortifacient plant. Further is necessary for isolation and characterization of bioactive molecules which are responsible for these activities.