Abortifacient Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Annona senegalensis Pers in Albino Rats
Abstract
The use ofabortifacient plantsis commonly practiced among thenatives in Nigeriaas an abortingagent of pregnancy.Abortifacient substancesare either chemicalor physical capableof inducing abortion.One of theplants that isbeing used is Annona senegalensis,although it is primarily used as food. Its abortifacient activityis not scientificallyvalidated. Thisstudy investigated theabortifacient activity of the leaf extract. The aqueous leaf extract of Annona senegalensis pers was screened for abortifacientactivity in thirty (30) femalealbino ratsat the dosesof 100, 200,300 and 400 mg/kg daily. The oral administration of the extract to female albinorats for threeweeks of thegestation periodresulted in reducedindividual implantation sites, live fetuses, postimplantation loss and progressive decrease in serumprogesterone concentrationin a dosedependent manner.Annona senegalensis leaftherefore, hassignificant abortifacientactivity.