Antifertility activity of leaves of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. in female albino rats

Objectives To evaluate the antifertility properties of extracts of leaves of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Plumbaginaceae). Methods The effects of petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of P. zeylanica on the estrous cycle of rats were studied at two dose levels, namely, 200 and 400 mg/kg. The effective extracts were assessed with regard to their oestrogenic activity in the same species. Results The acetone and ethanol extracts were most effective in interrupting the estrous cycle of the rats (p0.05). The animals exhibited a prolonged diestrous stage of the estrous cycle corresponding to a temporary inhibition of ovulation. The antiovulatory activity was reversible on discontinuation of treatment. Both extracts showed significant oestrogenic and anti-oestrogenic activity (p0.05). Conclusions The acetone and ethanolic extracts of leaves of P. zeylanica have an antifertility activity.