Onset of puberty and ovarian steroidogenesis following adminstration of methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. stem and Corchorus olitorius Linn. seed in mice.

The effect of methanolic extract (ME) of Cuscuta reflexa stem Roxb. and Corchorus olitorius Linn. seed on the onset of reproductive maturity and the ovarian steroidogenesis was studied by means of biochemical techniques. ME of Cuscuta reflexa stem and Corchorus olitorius seed treatment causes a remarkable delay in sexual maturation as evidenced by the age at vaginal opening and appearance of first estrus (cornified smear). The same treatment also results in a significant diminution of Delta(5)-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity along with a reduction in the weight of ovary, uterus and pituitary. On the basis of above data, it is assumed that the probable cause of delayed maturation in ME of Cuscuta reflexa stem and Corchorus olitorius seed treated mice is due to the suppressed ovarian steroidogenesis.