Effect of Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus amarus Leaves on Implantation and Pregnancy in Rats

Abstract

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal plant used widely in the treatment of many diseases. It has a long tradition of use in the Hindu Ayurvedic system of medicine and it has long been used as a medicinal agent in cultures around the world. Traditionally, in the Yoruba speaking part of western Nigeria it is used in treating sterility and difficult childbirth. This experiment was therefore design to scientifically test the effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus (AEPA) leaves on implantation and pregnancy. Animals were divided into two groups of 18 rats each after pregnancy has been established. Group I received 0.2mg/100g body weight of AEPA from day 1 of pregnancy. Group II received equal volume of distilled water serving as the control. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on days 6, 8 and 19 respectively. Implantation and pregnancy were assessed. AEPA reduced the time frame for implantation in the treated rats and caused abortion of pregnant rats. Although the aqueous extract of phyllanthus amarus reduces the time frame for implantation, its abortificent effect does not support the traditional claim that it can treat sterility.

Keywords: Phyllanthus amarus, Implantation, Abortifacient

Nig. J. Physiol. Sci. 25(2010) 63 – 66