Antiimplantation activity of the ethanolic root extract of Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl in rats

Abstract

<b>Objective</b> : To evaluate the antiimplantation activity of the ethanolic root extract of Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl.<br><b>Materials and Methods</b> : The acute oral toxicity study was performed according to the OPPTS guidelines. The ethanolic root extract was investigated for antiimplantation, estrogenic and progestrogenic activities at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Antiimplantation activity was studied on successive stages of embryogenesis. Estrogenic studies were carried out by examining uterine weight, histoarchitecture of uterus, vaginal cornification, uterine content of glucose, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase levels in immature rats. Progestrogenic activity assay was performed by pregnancy maintenance in rats and Clauberg's test (endometrial proliferation assay) in immature rabbits.<br><b>Results</b> : Both doses of the ethanolic root extract exhibited highly significant (P < 0.001) antiimplantation activity. However, an investigation of the estrogenic activity did not show any increase in uterine weight or vaginal cornification. The histoarchitecture (uterotrophic changes) such as thickness of endometrium and height of endometrial epithelium was unaltered in treated rats. There were no increases in the uterine content of glucose, cholesterol or alkaline phosphatase levels when compared with the control group. Pregnancy was not maintained in the pregnancy maintenance test for progestrogenic activity. Uterine proliferation was not seen in Clauberg's test (endometrial proliferation assay) for progestrogenic activity in immature rabbits.<br><b>Conclusion</b> : The ethanolic root extract of Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl exhibited antiimplantation activity but this is not due to estrogenic or progestrogenic activities.