Plumeria acuminata: A Systematic in vivo Evaluation for Its Anti-ovulatory and Anti-Implantation Features

Background:

Fertility control becomes necessary for under-developed and developing nations for the betterment of the economy, environment, and society. Plant Plumeria acuminata, “Temple tree or Frangipani”, of the Apocynaceae family has exhibited several activities similar to contraceptive medicine and is widely distributed in India.

Objective:

Present investigation aimed to study the anti-ovulatory and anti-implantation activities of ethanolic extract from P. acuminata leaves and roots in Wistar rats.

Methods:

Ethanolic extracts of P. acuminata leaves and roots were subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity test. Immature female rats were used to explore anti-ovulatory characteristics administering HCG as a standard ovulation-inducing drug. Mated females were used for exploring anti-implantation characteristics. Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol were administered as standard anti-implantation drugs. Morphological, hematological, hormonal, and histological examinations were performed.

Results:

LD50 value i.e., 2000 mg/kg from acute toxicity test resulted in the selection of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dose values for both leaf and root extracts. Treatment with these brought ~2-54%, ~5-48%, and ~1-68% changes respectively in the hormonal, growth factors’ and cytokines’ profile. Ovarian histology revealed restricted follicle maturation and ovulation whereas uterine histology unveiled a ~5-28% decrease in the endometrium thickness making it unreceptive for implantation after treatment with PAL and PAR extracts.

Conclusion:

Anti-ovulatory and anti-implantation results obtained here can be attributed to the presence of plumericin, sterol as well as triterpene groups of phytochemicals from ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots, making them potent contestants for studies on future contraceptive medicines.