Abortifacient Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Annona senegalensis Pers in Albino Rats
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Animal Science and Range Management, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola PMB 2076 Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
- 2. Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Description
The use of abortifacient plants is commonly practiced among the natives in Nigeria as an aborting agent of pregnancy. Abortifacient substances are either chemical or physical capable of inducing abortion. One of the plants that is being used is Annona senegalensis, although it is primarily used as food. Its abortifacient activity is not scientifically validated. This study investigated the abortifacient activity of the leaf extract. The aqueous leaf extract of Annona senegalensis pers was screened for abortifacient activity in thirty (30) female albino rats at the doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg daily. The oral administration of the extract to female albino rats for three weeks of the gestation period resulted in reduced individual implantation sites, live fetuses, postimplantation loss and progressive decrease in serum progesterone concentration in a dose dependent manner. Annona senegalensis leaf therefore, has significant abortifacient activity.