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 rats to explore the abortifacient activity of the Dolichandrone falcata leaves. Pregnant rats weighing 140 -210 gm were randomized into 10 groups (1-10). Rats were laprotomised on the 10th day
of pregnancy and the two horns of the uteri were examined to determine the implantation sites. Aqueous, chloroform, and alcoholic extract of Dolichandrone falcata exhibited significant abortifacient activity. The aqueous extract and the alcoholic extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight were 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.