Phytochemical screening and pharmacological evaluations for the antifertility effect of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii

The practice of traditional medicine for the control of fertility in most parts of Ethiopia is based on the uses of plant medicines for many years. The fact that herbal medicines have been employed for such a long time does not guarantee their efficacy and safety. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to carry out phytochemical screening, efficacy and safety studies on one of the traditionally used antifertility plants: Rumex steudelii. The secondary metabolites of the root of this plant were determined. The methanolic extract of the roots of this plant were investigated for their antifertility activity in female rats and oral LD50 was determined in mice. The identification of the secondary metabolites showed that the roots of the plant contained phytosterols and polyphenols. It was found that the extract reduced significantly (p < 0.01) the number of litters. It also produced antifertility effect in a dose dependent manner and the contraceptive effect was manifested for a definite period of time. Furthermore, the extract prolonged significantly the estrus cycle (p < 0.05) and the diestrous phase (p < 0.01) of the rats. The wet weights of the ovaries and uterus were shown to be reduced significantly (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05), respectively. The oral LD50 of the extract was found to be 5 g/kg in mice. All these observations suggest that the extract has antifertility effect and is safe at the effective antifertility doses employed in this study.