Contraceptive Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A.Rich. Fruit in Female Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

Globally, herbal contraceptives remain a viable option for women in rural settlements with unmet contraceptive needs. Pharmacological reports of the male contraceptive potential of Xylopia aethiopica fruit exist in literature, but there is a paucity of information on its female contraceptive potential. This study evaluated the efficacy of aqueous extract of X. aethiopica fruit (AEXAF) as a reversible contraceptive remedy in female Sprague Dawley rats against a combined oral contraceptive drug containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (COC-EEL). AEXAF was obtained by boiling air-dried pulverized fruit samples in water for 15 minutes. Phytochemical screening of AEXAF was carried out.  Mature female rats (30) were assigned into six groups, five per group, with ±20 g weight difference within each group. Group A received water; Groups B, C, D and E received 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/B.W. doses of AEXAF, respectively; Group F received 3.6 µg/kg/B.W. dose of COC-EEL. COC-EEL and AEXAF were administered orally, once daily, for 21 days. After 14 days of treatment, mature male rats were introduced to the females, two males per group, for 7 days. Litter size was recorded after delivery. Rats that did not produce pups were immediately re-introduced to male rats for 7 days and sacrificed after another 7 days; the number of fetuses in their uteri was determined. The data obtained was analyzed using Unpaired-t test. Phytochemical screening of AEXAF revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. High contraceptive efficacy (80%) with 100% reversibility was observed at 50 and 300 mg/kg/B.W. doses of AEXAF, whereas COC-EEL showed 60% efficacy and 100% reversibility. The 100 and 200 mg/kg/B.W. doses of AEXAF did not protect against conception. X. aethiopica possesses contraceptive potential worthy of further scientific consideration.