Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of Gloriosa superba Linn (Langli) Roots on theReproductive System of Female Rats

Abstract

Background The rhizome extract of Gloriosa superba Linn family Liliaceae is known to induce labor and facilitate normal delivery.Objective The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Gloriosa superba Linn EyGS roots on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats.Material and Methods Immature ovariectomized OVX Wistar rats were administered EyGS orally at 20 and 40 mgkg body weight. Uterotrophic assay was performed to evaluate the effect of EyGS on estrogenic and progestogenic activity. The parameters evaluated were number of cornified cells in the vagina uterine weight and decidual weight. Biochemical parameters histopathology of the uterus and in vitro uterotonic activity were also assessed.Results Analysis of the effect of EyGS on vaginal cornification and deciduoma formation demonstrated vaginal opening without cornified cells decrease in uterine weight proliferation of uterus and reduction in deciduoma formation. EyGS produced decrease in the estrogen and progesterone levels and 80 contractions of the uterus compared to oxytocin.Conclusion The results indicate that the ethanolic extract of Gloriosa superba Linn had antiestrogenic and antiprogestogenic potential in OVX rats based on the physical histological and biochemical analyses. EyGS showed uterotonic activity in vitro and proves the folklore use of Gloriosa superba Linn.Keywords Gloriosa superba uterotrophic assay estrogenic vaginal cornification