Abortifacient activity of a medicinal plant “moringa oleifera” in rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Abortifacient activity of a medicinal plant “moringa oleifera” in rats
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
N. Sethi, D. Nath, S.C. Shukla, R. Dyal
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Abortifacient activity of a medicinal plant “moringa oleifera” in rats
Year: 1988
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antifertility activity of the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera, commonly known as "Sahijan," in albino rats. The research was motivated by observations in rural areas of India, where about 80% of women reportedly use Moringa leaves for abortifacient purposes. The findings aim to systematically document the plant's effects on fertility based on traditional uses that have been passed down through generations.
Abortifacient Activity of Moringa Oleifera
The experimental study revealed that the oral administration of Moringa oleifera leaf extract at a dosage of 175 mg/kg body weight from days 5 to 10 of post-mating resulted in 100% abortifacient activity among the treated rats. No fetal development occurred in the drug-treated group, contrasting sharply with the control group, which showed normal implantation and fetal growth. Furthermore, the study indicated a significant reduction in maternal body weight gain in the treated group compared to controls, showcasing the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera as a potential abortifacient agent.
Conclusion
The research concludes that Moringa oleifera possesses strong abortifacient properties, warranting further investigation to determine the optimal dosage and to explore the efficacy of different parts of the plant. The results align with previous reports on the antifertility effects of Moringa, and emphasize the potential for this medicinal plant to be utilized in reproductive health applications. Continued exploration may lead to the isolation of active compounds responsible for these effects, contributing valuable insights to the field of herbal medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on Moringa Oleifera?
The study aimed to systematically investigate the antifertility and abortifacient activity of Moringa Oleifera in albino rats, particularly noting its use in rural areas for early pregnancy termination.
What was the administered dose of Moringa Oleifera in the study?
The study administered Moringa Oleifera leaf extract at a dose of 175 mg/kg body weight daily to the rats from days 5 to 10 post-mating.
What were the findings regarding maternal weight gain during the study?
The treatment group that received Moringa Oleifera showed significantly less maternal weight gain compared to the control group, indicating potential effects of the extract on overall health during pregnancy.
What results were obtained regarding abortion rates in the study?
The results indicated a 100% abortifacient activity in the drug-treated group, with no foetal formation observed. In contrast, the control group experienced no abortions, highlighting the effectiveness of Moringa Oleifera.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Abortifacient activity of a medicinal plant “moringa oleifera” in rats”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In the context of this research, 'activity' refers to the biological effects observed when administering Moringa oleifera extract. Specifically, it describes the antifertility and abortifacient effects demonstrated in albino rats. Activity is a crucial measure in pharmacological studies, indicating how substances influence living organisms, particularly regarding reproductive health.
2) Drug:
'Drug' denotes the medicinal plant extract used in this study. Moringa oleifera is being investigated for its potential use as a natural abortifacient. Understanding the properties and effects of such drugs is vital in toxicology and reproductive health to ensure safety and efficacy in human applications, stemming from traditional knowledge.
3) Water:
In this study, 'water' serves as the solvent for preparing the dosage of Moringa oleifera leaf extract. The mention of distilled water emphasizes the necessity for clean and uncontaminated media when conducting scientific experiments. Water's role is key in enabling the delivery of the active compounds in a bioavailable form.
4) Post:
'Post' in this context refers to the period following mating, specifically days 5-10 when the Moringa oleifera extract was administered. It highlights the time frame during which the effects of the extract were evaluated on pregnancy outcomes. Such temporal divisions are essential in understanding the timing of pharmacological interventions in reproductive studies.
5) Discussion:
'Discussion' is a critical part of scientific papers where findings are interpreted and contextualized within the broader field of research. Here, it explores the implications of the 100% abortifacient activity of Moringa oleifera, comparing it with previous research, presenting options for further studies, and addressing the significance of these findings in herbal medicine.
6) Toxicology:
'Toxicology' is the scientific study of harmful effects of substances on living organisms. In this research, it underpins the investigation of Moringa oleifera to ensure its safety as an abortifacient. The Division of Toxicology where the study was conducted emphasizes that understanding a substance's toxicological profile is essential before clinical applications can be considered.
7) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' here refers to the traditional understanding and usage of Moringa oleifera as an abortifacient among rural communities. It illustrates the importance of ethnobotanical wisdom in scientific exploration, showcasing how cultural insights can inform and inspire modern research into the efficacy and safety of natural compounds in medicine.
8) Science (Scientific):
'Science' is the overarching discipline that encompasses this study, representing systematic investigation and the quest for understanding through empirical evidence. It emphasizes the necessity for rigorous methodologies to assess the pharmacological properties of Moringa oleifera, ultimately contributing to the body of scientific literature regarding natural remedies in reproductive health.
9) Shukla (Śukla, Śuklā, Suklā, Sukla):
'Shukla' refers to one of the authors of the document, indicating a contributor to the research. The presence of multiple authors illustrates collaborative efforts in research, which is common in scientific studies, showcasing how diverse expertise can enhance the quality and credibility of findings related to traditional medicine.
10) Gandha (Gandhā, Gamdha):
'Gandha' is a Sanskrit term that refers to the aromatic qualities of plants, specifically relating to Moringa oleifera mentioned in the study. The inclusion of vernacular names reflects the cultural significance of the plant and its sensory characteristics. Understanding these aspects can enrich scientific knowledge with traditional uses and properties of medicinal plants.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Abortifacient activity of a medicinal plant “moringa oleifera” in rats’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Pregnancy, Control group, Oral administration, Abortifacient activity, Moringa oleifera, Antifertility activity, Charle's Foster strain, Dried powder, Estrous cycle, Implantation, Aqueous solution, Corpus luteum, Caesarian section.