RESTORATIVE EFFECTS OF Saraca indica METHANOLIC BARK EXTRACT ON LEVONORGESTREL AFFECTED REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE AND HORMONE LEVELS IN FEMALE ALBINO RATS

Objective: As literatures are scarce on the use of plant extracts against disruptions caused by synthetic contraceptives, the present study was done to evaluate the restorative effects (if any) of Saraca indica bark extract over the synthetic contraceptive, Levonorgestrel (LNG) administered reproductive cycle and Estrogen (E2) and Progesterone (P4) levels of female albino rats.

Methods: Cyclic rats were divided into four groups of which group-1 received water; group-2 received LNG at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg b.w/day for six consecutive cycles (1 subcutaneous injection/rat/cycle); group-3 received LNG (1.5 mg/kg b.w/day) followed by methanolic bark extract of Saraca indica at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w/day and group-4 received methanolic bark extract of Saraca indica (500 mg/kg b.w/day for 12 days) only. Percentage of cornification during estrous cycle was calculated from vaginal lavage using standard method and level of serum E2 and P4 were assayed by ELISA method.

Results: In this work, the percentage of cornification was found to be significantly lower in group-2 when compared to group-1 and group-4. However, a clear improvement in percentage of cornification was seen in group-3. On administration of LNG both the serum E2 and P4 hormone levels showed gradual reduction from the normal level. But the levels of these hormones appeared to be approaching to normal after getting Saraca indica bark extract.

Conclusion: From the present study, it may be assessed that Saraca indica bark extract has its potency to restore the alterations in cyclicity and reproductive hormone level caused by this synthetic contraceptive.