Abortifacient potentials of the aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves in pregnant Dutch rabbits

BackgroundThere is the claim in the folklore medicine of Nigeria of the use of Bambusa vulgaris leaves as an abortifacient. However, there has not been any scientific evidence in the literature that substantiated or refuted this claim.Study DesignPregnant Dutch rabbits weighing 1.62–1.70 kg were randomized into three groups. Group A (control) was orally administered with 1.85 mL/kg body weight of distilled water (vehicle), thrice daily on Days 18–20 of pregnancy, while Groups B and C were treated like the control group except they received 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves.ResultsPreliminary chemical screening of the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and anthraquinones. Clinical toxicity symptoms such as respiratory distress, salivation, weight loss, dull eyes, diarrhea, change in the appearance of fur as well as mortality were not observed in the animals at any period of the experiment. The 250 mg/kg body weight of the extract decreased (p<.05) the number of live fetus, whereas the 500 mg/kg body weight produced no live fetus. The 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract reduced the survival rate of the fetus to 29% and 0%, whereas the same doses produced abortion at the rate of 60% and 100%, respectively. The implantation index and preimplantation loss compared well with the control. Both doses increased the resorption index and postimplantation loss. The extract also decreased the concentrations of serum progesterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. While there was no effect on the weight of the uterus, uterine/body weight ratio, length of the right uterine horn and uterine cholesterol, the alkaline phosphatase activity and glucose concentration decreased significantly. The extract also provoked vaginal opening.ConclusionThis study has substantiated the abortifacient potential of the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves. The mechanism of abortion could possibly be through changes in the implantation site, altered hormone levels and, partly, estrogenicity. All these may be attributed, at least, in part to the phytoconstituents.