Estrogenic Effect of Methanolic Extract of Avicennia alba Blume. Aerial Parts in Female Wistar Albino Rats

Objectives: To investigate the estrogenic effect of Avicennia alba (Blume) aerial parts as identified in the folklore recipes as a contraceptive Methodology: The estrogenic activity study of the methanolic extract was carried out by studying the histopathology of the uterus. The uterine weight and vaginal cornification were also observed. The diameter of uterus, thickness of endometrium and height of the endometrial epithelium were measured using a calibrated ocular micrometer. The estimation of total protein and cholesterol was carried out using a standard method described by Lowely et al. Results: The presence of alkaloids, anthraquinone glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, polyphenolics were detected in the aerial parts of Avicennia alba. The methanolic extract of Avicennia alba at 400 mg/kg body weight showed a significant (p< 0.05) increase in uterine weight, diameter of uterus, thickness of endometrium and height of the endometrial epithelium compared to the control. There was increase in vaginal cornification status. The histological examination of the uterus also showed estrogenic influence. A significant increase (p< 0.05) in total protein and cholesterol content in the uterus of standard and test drug treated rats was also observed. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Avicennia alba at 400 mg/kg body weight showed significant estrogenic activity and the results are in consistent with the folkloric claim reports related to oral contraceptive effect of Avicennia alba

Key words:Avicennia alba, contraceptive, estrogenic activity, uterus.