Evaluation of Abortifacient Efficacy of Dolichandrone Falcata Leaves in Female Albino Rats.

The practice of traditional medicine for the control of fertility in most part of India is based on the uses of plant medicine for
many years. According to folklore medicine, the plant Dolichandrone falcata (Biognoniaceae) possesses abortifacient activity in
human females. The present study was carried out in female albino rat to explore the abortifacient activity of the Dolichandrone
falcata leaves. Pregnant rats weighing 140 -210 gm were randomized into 10 group (1-10). Rats were laprotomised on 10th day
of pregnancy and the two horns of uteri were examined to determine the implantation sites. Aqueous, chloroform and alcoholic
extract of Dolichandrone falcata exhibited significant abortificient activity. The aqueous extract and the alcoholic extract at a
dose of 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight was found to be most effective in causing strong abortifacient activity. The
phytochemical screening of the leaves of Dolichandrone falcata revealed the presence of flavonoids, simple phenolics, alkaloids,
steroids, tannins and saponins.