Blastocyst implantation failure in mice due to “nonreceptive endometrium”: endometrial alterations by Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf extract

Abstract

Many plants are known to possess antifertility activity. However, limited attempts have been made to scientifically evaluate these claims. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers have been shown to possess antifertility and abortifacient activity. In this report, antiimplantation activity of water extract of leaves of H. rosa-sinensis was investigated. Pregnant female mice were dosed with extract (100 mg/kg body weight) from days 1 to 6 of pregnancy. No implantation sites were observed in treated animals when they were surgically opened on day 15 of pregnancy. Biochemical and biophysical alterations were observed in the endometrium in treated animals, especially on day 5, at 4:40 a.m., the day of implantation. A sharp increase in superoxide anion radical and a sharp fall in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as seen in the endometrium from control animals, were altered in treated animals. The extract also exhibited antiestrogenic activity, as judged by increase in uterine weight. The physiological alterations induced by water extract of H. rosa-sinensis are discussed.