Contraceptive effects of Phyllanthus amarus in female mice.

Antifertility effects of an alcohol extract of the whole plant, Phyllanthus amarus at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days orally was investigated in cyclic adult female mice. The results revealed no -significant change in absolute body and organ weights in extract-fed animals, indicating no alteration in general metabolic status. Further, feeding had no effect on haematological and clinical biochemical tests reflecting its non-toxicity. Similarly, uterine and ovarian biochemical tests showed no change except in 3beta and 17beta hydroxy steroid dehydrgenase (HSDs) levels, probably affecting hormonal conversions in the latter. Cohabited females with normal male mice were unable to become pregnant as their cyclicity was affected. These factors are related to a change in the hormonal milieu that governs female reproductive function. Upon withdrawal of feeding for 45 days, these effects were reversible. Thus this extract manifests a definite contraceptive effect in female mice. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.