Experimental studies on artemisia vulgaris – a possible antifertility drug
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Experimental studies on artemisia vulgaris – a possible antifertility drug
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.
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Original source:
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A. Narwaria, R.L. Khosa, S.K. Dhar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Experimental studies on artemisia vulgaris – a possible antifertility drug
Year: 1994
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Artemisia vulgaris Linn, commonly referred to as Nagadouna in Hindi, is a plant belonging to the Compositae family. It has been traditionally utilized in Indian medicine for various therapeutic purposes, including as an emmenagogue and antihelmintic. The current study investigates the antifertility effects of an alcoholic extract from the aerial parts of A. vulgaris by analyzing its impact on the estrous cycle and implantation outcomes in female albino rats. The research aimed to provide empirical evidence regarding the potential reproductive implications of the extract.
Alteration of the Estrous Cycle
The experiment involved administering an alcoholic extract of A. vulgaris to groups of female albino rats, monitoring their estrous cycle over an 18-day period. In contrast to the control group, which displayed a normal estrous sequence, the test group exhibited significant disruptions characterized by the increased frequency of metestrus and diestrus phases and a noticeable absence of the estrous phase, which is essential for mating. This irregular pattern resulted in an estimated 80% anti-implantation activity within the test group, indicating that the extract likely possesses antifertility properties without causing gross malformations in the delivered pups.
Conclusion
The findings from this study suggest that the alcoholic extract of A. vulgaris has considerable antifertility effects, as evidenced by the disruption of the estrous cycle and inhibition of implantation in female albino rats. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated no signs of acute toxicity in mice, indicating a high margin of safety at even elevated doses. Despite displaying minimal estrogenic activity, it lacked anti-estrogenic effects, which requires further investigation. Overall, the research supports the potential of A. vulgaris as a candidate for antifertility agents in future studies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main focus of the study on Artemisia vulgaris?
The study investigated the antifertility effects of the alcoholic extract of Artemisia vulgaris on the estrous cycle and implantation in female albino rats, observing changes in reproductive cycles and implantation success rates.
How was the extract of Artemisia vulgaris prepared for the study?
The aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris were air-dried, defatted with petroleum ether, and extracted with alcohol using a Soxhlet apparatus. The resulting extract was suspended in distilled water with carboxymethyl cellulose as a suspending agent.
What were the results regarding the estrous cycle in test animals?
The treatment with the extract led to an irregular estrous cycle with increased metestrus phases and the notable absence of the estrous phase, which is critical for mating, suggesting a potential antifertility effect.
What were the findings related to toxicity in the study?
No toxic symptoms or mortality were observed in mice even at the maximum dose of 3000 mg/kg, indicating that the LD50 value of the extract is likely greater than this dosage.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Experimental studies on artemisia vulgaris – a possible antifertility drug”. 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) Drug:
In the context of the study, 'drug' refers to the alcoholic extract of Artemisia vulgaris, which was tested for its antifertility effects on female albino rats. The research aimed to evaluate the drug's influence on the estrous cycle and implantation, thereby contributing to the understanding of potential herbal antifertility agents.
2) Activity:
'Activity' denotes the measurable effects of Artemisia vulgaris on the estrous cycle and implantation rates in the test subjects. It includes parameters such as percent anti-implantation activity and changes in the estrous phases, crucial for assessing the efficacy of the potential antifertility drug.
3) Water:
'Water' serves as a control substance in the experiments, utilized to provide a baseline for comparison against the alcoholic extract. It also highlights the significance of hydration in the study's methodology, ensuring that differences in results can be attributed to the drug rather than other variables.
4) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' refers to the potential harmful effects of the drug on the subjects, assessed in the study through acute toxicity tests. The research sought to determine whether high doses of Artemisia vulgaris caused any toxic symptoms or mortality, confirming its safety profile as a potential antifertility agent.
5) Diet:
'Diet' is relevant as it signifies the nutritional conditions under which the test subjects were kept during experimentation. The rats were fed a standard pellet diet, ensuring that their health and physiological responses are consistent, which is essential for reliable results in pharmacological studies.
6) Discussion:
'Discussion' pertains to the section where findings, implications, and hypotheses derived from the experimental results are deliberated. In scientific research, this is where researchers interpret the data, explore its significance, and suggest further studies, allowing for a deeper understanding of the drug's effects.
7) Medicine:
'Medicine' refers to the broader field encompassing the study of drugs, treatments, and their effects on health. The research on Artemisia vulgaris contributes to traditional and modern medicine, exploring herbal remedies and their potential applications for reproductive health and antifertility, thus bridging ancient and contemporary medical practices.
8) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context represents the systematic investigation and empirical methods employed in the study of Artemisia vulgaris. Through controlled experiments and observations, the research exemplifies the scientific approach to understanding natural products and their biological effects, contributing to the field of pharmacognosy.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Experimental studies on artemisia vulgaris – a possible antifertility drug’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Parturition, Control group, Female rat, Acute Toxicity Studies, Test group, Alcoholic extract, Female albino rats, Estrogenic activity, Vaginal Smear Method, Estrous cycle, Anti-implantation activity.