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Ancient Science of Life, Vol No. III No.4 April 1984, Pages 193 - 202

INDIAN PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS WITH ANTIFERTILITY EFFECT* *This paper is based on the author’s forthcoming book “Status Report on Pharmacology of

Medical Plants and Natural Products” (INSA)

G. V. SATYAVATI

Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110 029, India

Received: February 10, 1984 Accepted: February 28, 1984 ABSTRACT: In this article the author reviews research studies on Indian plants with antifertility activity conducted by different Institutes and independent investigators. The available clinical data is also present here. Plants with antifertility activity

Research on Indian plants with antifertility activity has been exhaustively reviewed recently (Chaudhury & Haq. 1980; Kamboj & Dhawan, 1981; 1982). Isolated and independent studies by different investigators and institutes on this topic have been continued. Documented clinical data on antifertility plants is, however, very meagre. Plants with antifertility effect in the female A very recent review (Kamboj & Dhawan, 1982) lists only 5 plants with potent anti-ovulatory activity viz. Albissia lebbeck (Vohora & Khan, 1974), Aloe barbideneis (Gupta et al, 1971), Mentha arvensis and Polygonum hydropiper (Kapoor et al, 1974) and Vitex negundu (Vohora et al, 1973). Other plants with milder anti ovulatory activity are Annona squomosa (Vohora et al, 1975), Areca catechu (Kapoor et al, 1974), Daucus carota (Kapoor et al, 1974). Lepidium sativum (Vohora et al, 1973), Mentha arvensis & Polygonum hydropiper (Kapoor et al, 1974).

Twenty eight plants and about the same number of isolated materials have been reported to have shown anti – implantation (interceptive) activity (Kamboj & Dhawan, 1982). Chaudhury and Haq (1980 a), on the other hand, listed 11 plants with 100% antifertility activity in one species or the other viz., Aristolochia indica, Curcuma longa, Cuminum cyminu, Daucus carota, Embelia ribes, Ensete superbum, Hyptis suaveolens, Mentha arvensis, Podocarpus brevifolia, Polygononum hydropiper and Sapindus trifoliatus. Nine other plants reported to have revealed less than 100% (but more than 60%) activity are Ananas cosmosus, Areca catechu, Butea monosperma, Carica papaya, Grewia asiatica, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Ocimum sanctum, Plumbago Zeylanica and Sida cordifolia (Chaudhury & Haq (1980 b). Kamboj & dhawan (1982), on the other hand, listed 16 plants as more active antifertility agents viz., Abrus precatorius, Achuranthes aspera, Aristolochia indica, Artabotrys oderatissimus, Datura quercifolia, Daucus carota, Embelica ribes,

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Ensete superbum, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Laccardia lacca, Lygodium flexosum, Plumbago zeylanica, Polygonum hydropiper, pueraria tuberose, Randia dumerorum and Tabernaementana heyneana. Screening of 32 botanically identified plant materials showed significant antifertility activity in only Arbus precatorius sees, Ananas comosus unripe fruit Moringa pterygosperma root and Terminalia arjuna bark. Ethanol extract of Cichorium intybus showed significant resorptive activity (Prakash & Mathur, 1976). Alcoholic extract of Cuminium cyminum (seed) and Hyptis suaveolens (leaves) showed potent antifertility activity while Dolichos biflorus seeds and Trianthema Pentanelra leaves were devoid of such activity (Garg, 1976). Of 201 extracts of 36 plants screened, 9 extracts of 7 plants showed significant antifertility activity viz. Butea monosperma seeds, Curcuma longa rhizomes, Daucus carota (seeds), Embelia ribes (Roots), Mehta arvensis (leaves), Polygonum hydropiper (roots) and Sapindus trifoliatus (seeds), showed significant antifertility effect (Garg et al, 1978). Anti-implantation activity in mice was found in petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of Abroma augusta root. Benzene extract of Achyranthes aspera (stem bark) and Sesbania aeglyptica flowers and alcohol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers (Pakrashi et al, 1975). A. augusta also showed abortifacient activity. Extracts of Annona squamosa seeds and Cuscuta reflexa (whole plant) and the alcoholic extract of Crotalaria juncea seeds showed antifertility effect, whereas roots of Butea vulgaris, Trianthema portulo and bark

of Moringa oleifera did not show any antifertility effect (Rao et al, 1979). Aristolochia indica root has been studied in great detail by Pakrashi and co-workers. Antifertility activity was demonstrated in the root extract (Pakrashi et al, 1976; 1978) and its active constituents, aristolic acid (Pakrashi and Chakraborti, 1978a), its methyl ester (Pakrashi and Saha, 1978), sesquiterpenes (Pakrashi and Saha, 1977a, 1977b), and p-coumaric acid (Pakrashi and Pakrashi, 1978). Both aristolic acid (Pakrashi and Chakraborty, 1978b) and the sesquiterpene (Pakrashi and Chakraborti, 1977) showed anti-estrogenic activity. The methyl ester, however, led to liver and kidney damage in mice (Pakrashi and Saha, 1979). Ethanol and benzene extracts of Artobotrys odorotissimus fresh leaves were found to disrupt the normal estrus cycle in rats (Prakash and Mathur, 1977) and prolong the diestrus stage (Prakash, 1978a). Anti estrogenic activity reported in rats (Prakash 1978 b) was confirmed in the ethanol and benzene extracts which decreased the alkaline phosphatase and elevated the acid phosphatase activity (Prakash, 1979). Daucus carota seed extracts (Chloroform-methanol and petroleum ether and ethanol) were reported to show anti-implantation activity in rats (Garg 1975, Garg et al, 1978), whereas another group of workers found these very extracts to be inactive in rats (Prakash et al, 1978 e). Sharma et al, (1976) found that the postcoital antifertility effect of Daucus carota seed (alcoholic extract) was related to its inherent estrogenicity. The CDRI, Lucknow, however, did not find any activity in the two known varieties (red and black) of carrot seeds (Kamboj and Dhawan, 1982).

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Results of studies on Embelia ribes are rather equivocal. Embelin (2:5 dihydroxy – 3 – undecyl – 4:4 benzoquinone) isolated from Embelia ribes seeds showed antifertility effect in rats, in one series of study (Radha Krishnan and Amal, 1975; Krishnaswami and Purushottaman, 1980b), but not in a study carried out by another group (Kholkute et al, 1978), although antifertility effect was found, in this study, in the petroleum ether and methanol extracts of the plant. Further, embelin did not reveal any estrogenic or anti-estrogenic action (Krishnawami and Purushottaman, 1980a). Seshadri et al, (1978) observed that biochemically, embelin seems to share some but not all the effects of anti-estrogenic compounds, whereas Prakash and Mathur (1979) found an extrogenic activity in a 50% ethanol extract, at a low dose level. A combined preparation of Embelia ribes, Piper longum and Borax (Garbhanivaranaushadham) recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners had earlier shown significant antifertility activity in rats (Munshi & Rao, 1972; Munshi & Ljungvisk, 1972). Another compound preparation with the same ingredients, enhanced the uterine alkaline phosphatase activity in rats and guineapigs (Raman et al, 1976). However the same preparation, given in a dose of 0.5 g twice daily from the 5th to 20th day, did not have any interceptive effect in 7 women volunteers (Joshi et al, 1977). Piper longum fruits alone revealed only marginal antifertility activity in rats. When mixed with E. ribes, however, it inhibited preganancy in 80% of rats (Kholkute et al, 1978). Hibiscus rosa sinensis benzene extract showed significant antifertility activity in rats (Kholkute et al, 1976), with a dose dependent antiestrogenic activity (Kholkute and Udupa, 1976a) and perhaps altered the

estrogen – progesterone balance (Kholkute and Udupa, 1976 b). The extract led to a transitory and reversible follicular atresia in the ovary, atrophy of uterus anddegranulation gonadotrophs in the pituitary (Kholkute et al, 1976 b). The compounds isolated from the benzene extract (Cyanidin, quercetin and hentriacontane) were devoid of any antifertility effect (Kholkute and Udupa, 1978), although the mother liquor showed activity. The flowers of H. rosa sinens showed significant antifertility effect which was maximum during winter season. Other parts of the plant (leaves and stem) had no antifertility activity whatsoever (Lal et al, 1976; Kholkute et al, 1977). Oleanolic acid 3 – B glucoside isolated from Randia dumetorium showed anti implantation activity in rats and was found to be anti-estrogenic in action (Pillai et al, 1977). Plumbagin (2 – methyl – 5 – hydroxyl, 1, 4 napthoquinone) isolated from Plumbago zeylanica showed significant anti – implantation and abortifacient activity without any teratogenic effect in rats. It showed anti-ovulatory effect in rats (Premakumari et al, 1977). Alcohloic extract of Lygodium flexosum, a plant used by an Adivasi population in Maharashtra, showed antifertility activity in rats, mice and rabbits, by exerting its effect on the zygote and / or blastocyst (Gaitonde and Mahajan, 1980). Malva viscus conzattii flowers caused degenerative changes in the ovary or gerbils along with a decrease in the RNA, protein, sialic acid and glycogen contents of the uterus and vagina (Dixit, 1977). Sida carpinifolia (methanol extract) and Podocarpus brevifolius (choloroform

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extract, showed antifertility effects in rats (Kholkute et al, 1978). Laccardia lacca (Laksha) – a resinous substance deposited by an insect (Carteria lacca) on this tree – had an anti-implantation effect when administered in the early stages of pregnancy in rats. It revealed an anti-uterotropic effect without an anti-estrogenic activity (Ghosh et al, 1980). Ayush – 47, a compound Ayurvedic preparation having Saraca indica, Areca catchu, Coccus lacca, gold and sugar as ingredients evinced anti-implanation effect in rats. The compound showed an anti progestational effect in rabbits. Among its ingredients, Saraca indica and its phenolica glycoside (p2) have been shown to be a highly potent uterine stimulant (Satyavati 1970a, b and c), wheras Areca catechu has also been reported to have anti-implantation effect (Chaudhury and Haq, 1980). Gloriosa superb rhizome and its adulterant Costus speciosus which showed powerful ecobolic activites (Tewari et al, 1967, Tewari et al 1972) were not followed up for abortifacient activity studies. Abortifacient Plants: Benzene extract of Achyranthes aspera showed 100 percent abortifacient effect in the rabbit at a single dose of 50 mg / kg. It had no estrogenic, anti-estrogenic or androgenic effect in mice (Prakash et al, 1977). Physalin-X from Physalis minima had significant abortifacient effect in rats (Mahana et al, 1979). A flavanone glycoside from Cureuligo orchioides was found to be a powerful uterine stimulant in rats, rabbits and guineapigs (Sharma et al, 1975). Carica papaya (unripe fruits) showed abortifacient activity in rats (Gopalakrishnan and Rajasekhara setty, 1978). Steroids

isolated from Ananas comosus (unripe fruits and juice) exerted abortificient effect in mice (Prakrashi and Basak, 1976). The steroid 50 – stimastane – 3/3, 5, 6/3-triol 3-monobenzoate exerted maximum interceptive effect when administered during 6 – 7 days of gestation in mice (Pakrashi and Chakrabarti, 1979). It has been suggested that the compound acts by exerting anti-lutetrophic activity (Pakrashi and Chakrabarty, 1981). It revealed anti-ovulatory activity in rabbits (Pakrashi and Chakrabarty, 1978). Papain, the proteolytic enzymes from Carica papaya (unripe fruit) has been found to induce a teratogenic effect through a systemic action in rats (Singh and Devi, 1978). Maternal administration of Papain in rats led to haemorrhage and degenerative changes in the foetal brain (Devi and Singh, 1979), foetal liver and kidney (Singh and Devi, 1980), and defective chondrogenesis in the foebus (Singh and Devi, 1980). Vasicine, an alkaloid isolated from Adhatoda vasica showed potent uterotonic activity partially mediated through prostaglandins (Gupta et al, 1977). It exerted an abortifacient effect in guineapigs but not in rats (Gupta et al, 1978). Vasicine potentiated prostaglandin-induced uterine contractions in rats (Lal and Sharma, 1981). Butea frondosa flowers and Caesalpinia bonducella seeds showed estrogenic effect in rats (Tewari et al, 1976). A steroidal lactone isolated from Datura quercifolia showed weak estrogenic activity in rats (Chandhoke and Gupta, 1978). Arjunalone, a new flavonoid from Terminalia arjuna has shown oxytocic activity (Sharma et al, 1982) whereas Coronaridine from Tabernaemontana heyneana showed anti-implantation activity

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along with estrogenic activity (Mehrotra et al, 1978). Antifibrinolytic activity in the roots and phenolic glycoside (punarnavoside) of Boerrhavia diffusa has been found useful in controlling uterine bleeding in monkeys (Srivastava et al, 1980). From the husk of Plantago ovate (Isapgol) a new cervical dilator (Isaptent) has been developed by the CDRI, Lucknow (Khanna et al, 1980). Isaptent has been found to compare very favourably with the imported laminaria tent in efficacy and safety and is much more inexpensive (ICMR Bulletin, 1982). Plants with Lactogenic and Anti-Lactogenic Activities Stigmasterol (as well as an ether fraction isolated from Leptadenia reticulate showed significant lactogenic effect in rats as assessed by pup weight, histology of mammary glands, secretory rating, parenchyma percentage and glycogen and protein contents of the mammary glands (Anjaria et al, 1975). Lactogenic / galactogove effect of Asparagus racemosus roots has been well documented (Satyavati et al, 1976). Bandaging the breasts with jasmine flowers to suppress lactation is a common practice among women in Kerala. A study carried out on lactating mice showed that contact with jasmine (Jasminum pubescens) flowers led to suppression of milk production with involution of the mammary gland. Even exposure to the smell of these flowers induced similar changes, although to a lesser degree (Abraham et al, 1979). Although the mechanism of action of jasmine is yet to be worked out, the possibility of the involvement of the olfactory hypothalamic – hypophyseal pathway cannot be ruled out.

Contraception in the Male: Antifertility effect in the male has been demonstrated in a few plants. Notable among these are Azadirachta indica leaves, Aristolochia indica root, Ananas comosus unripe fruit, Embelia ribes fruits, Carica papaya seeds (Das, 1980), flowers of Hibiscus rosa sinesis and Malvasicus conzatti. Aristolochia indica root (chloroform fraction) revealed on antispermatogenetic effect in mice (Pakrashi and Pakrasi, 1977), whereas its derivative p – coumaric acid showed an anti-prolactin effect in male mice (Pakrashi et al, 1979; Pakrashi et al. 1981). Azadirachta indica leaves, on the other hand, showed an antifertility activity in the male mice which was not due to inhibition of spermatogenesis (Deshpande et al, 1980). Embelia ribes fruits administered to male bonnet monkeys for 3 months reduced the circulating testosterone levels without affecting normal spermato – genesis (Purandare et al, 1979). The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of E.ribes fruits did not reveal any toxic effect on the male reproductive organs in rats (Seshadri et al, 1980). Antispermatogenetic effect of the flower extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis was demonstrated in Rhinopama kineari – a non-scrotal bat (Singhvi and Lal, 1980). Malva viscus conzattii flower extract revealed potent anti spermatogenetic activity in gerbils and house rats (Dixit, 1977), dogs (Dixit et al, 1978) and albino mice (Verma et al, 1980). Chronic administration of the flower extract in dogs did not induce any other adverse general metabolic effects. Spermicidal activity in a number of plants has been investigated in detail at the CDRI, Lucknow. Spermicidal saponins from Sapindus mukrossi fruit, Schefflera capitata, Pittosporum nilgherense and Polemonium

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coeruleum have been characterized (Rastogi and Dhawan, 1982). Plant extracts with semen coagulating property have been taken up for in depth study at CDRI. Lucknow (Setty et al, 1976, 1977; Kamboj et al, 1977; Kamboj and Dhawan, 1981).

Cannabis extract showed consistent adverse effects on the testicular function in the mice (Dixit and Lohiya, 1975) pigeon (Vyas and Singh, 1976) and totad (Dixit et al, 1977). The extent of the adverse effect of cannabis on the testis of pigeon seemed to be greater than that of opium (Vyas and Singh, 1976).

REFERENCES Abraham, M., Sarada Devi, N. and Sheela, R. (1979). Inhibiting effect of Jasmine flowers on lactation. Indian J Med Res 69, 88. Anjaria, J. V., Varia, M. R., Janakiraman, K. and Gulati, O. D. (1975). Studies on Leptadenia reticulate: lactogenic effects on rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 13, 448. Chandhoke, Nimmi and Gupta, Sudha (1978). Estrogenic activity of DQ 1 – A steroidal lactone – isolated from Datura quercifolia. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16, 1978, 648. Chaudhury, R. R. and Hag, M. (1980 a). Review of plants screened for Anti fertility activity – 1. Bull Medico Ethno Bot Res. 1 (3), 408. Chaudhury, R. R. and Hag, M. (1980 b). Review of plants screened for Antifertility activity – II. Bull Medico Ethno Bot Res 1 (3), 420. Das, R. P. (1980). Effect of Papaya seed on the genital organs and fertility of male rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 18, 408. Deshpande, V. Y., Medulkar, K. N. and Sadre, N. L. (1980). Male antifertility activity of Azadirachta indica in mice. J. Postgraduate Med. 26, 167. Devi, Sathi, and Singh Shamer (1978). Teratogenic and embryotoxic effect of papain in rat. Indian J Med Res, 67, 499. Devi, Sathi, and Singh, Shamer (1979). Maternal administration of papain and its effect on the brain of rat fetuses. Indian J. Med. Res. 69, 671. Dixit, V. P. (1977a). Effects of Malva viscus conzattii Greenm flower extract on testicular function of the house rat Rattus rattus. Refescens and the gerbil Meriones hurrianae Jerdon : a biochemical study. Indian J. Exp. Biol, 15, 506. Dixit, V. P. (1977b). Effects of chronically administered Malva viscus flower extract on the female genital tract of gerbil Meriones hurrianae Jerdon : Indian J. Exp. Biol. 15, 650. Dixit, V. P., Jain H. C., Verma, O. P. and Sharma, A. N. (1977). Effects of cannabis extract on the testicular function of the total Bufo andersonii Boulenger. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 15, 555.

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Dixit, V. P. and Lohiya, N. K. (1975). Effects of cannabis extract on the response of accessory sex organs of adult male mice to testosterone. Indian J. Physical Pharmac. 19, 98. Dixit, V. P., Sandher, J. S and Bhargava, S. K. (1978). Effects of Malva viscus conzattii flower extract on the testicular function of dog (Cannis familiaris). Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16, 245. Gaitonde, B. B. and Mahajan, R. T. (1980). Antifertility activity of Lygodium flexosum. Indian J. Med. Res. 72, 597. Garg, S. K. Antifertility effect of some chromatographic fractions of Daucas carota. Indian J. Pharmac. 7. 1975, 40. Garg, S. K. (1976). Antifertility screening of plants – effects of four indigenous plants on early pregnancy in female albino rats. Indian J. Med. Res. 64, 1133. Garg, S. K., Mathur, V. S. and Chaudhury, R. R. (1978). Screening of Indian plants for antifertility activity. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16, 1077. Ghosh, D., Anantharaman, M. and Shetty, B. M. (1980). Antifertility activity of an indigenous medicine Laksha (Laccardia lacca) Bull. Medico. Ethno Bot. Res. 1 (1), 107. Gopalkrishnan, M. and Rajasekharasetty, M. R. (1978). Effect of Papaya (Carica papaya linn) on pregnanacy and estrous cycle in albino rats of wistar strain. Indian J. Physiol, Pharmac. 22, 66. Gupta, M. L., Gupta, T. K., Bhargava, K. P. (1971). A study of antifertility effects of some indigenous drugs. J. Res. Indian Med. 6, 112. Gupta, O. P., Anand, K. K., Ray Ghatak, B. J. and Atal, C. K. (1978). Vasicine, Alkaloid of Adhatoda vasica, Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16, 1075. Gupta, O. P., Sharma, M. L., Ray Ghatak, B. J. and Atal, C. K. (1977 a). Pharmacological investigations of vasicine and vasicinone – the alkaloids of Adhatoda vasica. Indian J. Med. Res. 66, 680. ICMR Bulletin (1982). Highlights of Research in priority areas 12, 90. Joshi, J., Virkar, K. D. and Devi, P. K. Effect of an ayurvedic preparation on peripheral parameters of the menstrual cycle. Indian J. Med. Res. 66, 1977, 39. Kamboj, V. P. and Dhawan, B. N. (1981). Current status of plants investigated for fertility regulation in India. Korean J. Pharmac. 12, 111. Kamboj, V. P. and Dhawan, B. N. (1982). Research on plants for fertility regulation in India. J. Ethnopharmacol 6, 191.

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Kamboj, V. P., Setty, B. S. and Khanna, N. M (1977). Semen coagulation : A potential approach to contraception. Contraception 15, 601. Kappor, M., Garg, S. K. and Mathur, V. S. (1979). Antiovulatory activity of five indigenous plants in rabbits. Indian J. Med. Res. 62, 1225. Khanna, N. M., Sarin, J. P. S., Nandi, R. C., Singh, S., Setty, B. S., Kamboj, V. P. and Dhawan, B. N. (1980). Isaptent ; A new cervical dilator. Contraception 21, 29. Kholkute, S. D., Chatterjee, S. and Udupa, K. N. (1976). Effect of Hibiscus rosa sinensis on oestrous cycle and reproductive organs in rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 14, 703. Kholkute, S. D., Kekare, M. B., Jathar, V. S. and Munshi, S. R. (1978). Antifertility effects of Embelia ribes Burm. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16, 1035. Kholkute, S. D., Kekare, M. B., and Safia, R. Munshi (1979). Antifertility effects of the fruits of Piper longum in female rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 17, 289. Kholkute, S. D., Mudgal, V. and Udupa, K. N. (1977). Studies on the antifertility potentiality of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Parts of medicinal use, selection of species and seasonal variations. Planta Medica. 31, 35. Kholkute, S. D., Munshi, S. R., Naik, S. D. and Jathar, V. S. (1978). Anti fertility activity of indigenous plants Sida carpinifolia and Podocarpus brevifolius stapf in female rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16, 696. Kholkute, S. D. and Udupa, K. N. (1976 a). Antiestrogenic activity of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn flowers. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 14, 175. Kholkute, S. D. and Udupa, K. N. (1976 b). Effect of Hibiscus rosa sinensis on pregnancy of rats. Planta Medica. 29, 321. Kholkute, S. D. and Udupa, K. N. (1978). Biological Profile of total benzene extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis . J. Res. Indian Med. Yoga and Homoeo 13, (3). Krishnaswami, Mohana and Purushothaman, K. K. (1980 a). Antifertility properties of Embelia ribes. Indian. J. Exp. Biol. 18, 638. Krishnaswami, Mohana and Purushothaman, K. K. (1980 b). Antifertility properties of Embelia ribes (Embelin). Indian J. Exp. Biol. 18, 1359. Lal, B., Srivastava, D. N. and Udupa, K. N. (1976). Anti-fertility properties of Hibiscus rosa sinensis (Leaf and stem) and Butea monosperma (flower) J. Res. Indian Med. Yoga Homoeo, 11 (1), 112.

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Lal, Ramesh and Sharma, P. L. (1981). Potentiation of prostaglandins evoked contractions of isolated rat uterus by vasicine hydrochloride. Indian J. Med. Res. 73, 641. Munshi, S. R. and Rao, S. S. (1972). Anti fertility activity of an indigenous plant preparation (ROC – 101) I : Effect on reproduction. Indian J. Med. Res. 60, 1054. Munshi, S. R. and Ljungkvist, I. (1972). Antifertility activity of an indigenous plant preparation (ROC – 101) – III. Effect on ultra structure of the rat uterine luminal epithelium. Indian J. Med. Res. 60, 1791. Pakrashi, A. and Basak, B (1976). Abortifacient effect of steroids from Annans composus and their analogues on mice. J. Reprod. Fert. 46, 461. Pakrashi, A., Basak, B and Mookerji, N. (1975). Search for antifertility agents from indigenous medicinal plants. Indian J. Med. Res. 63, 378. Pakrashi, A., Chakrabarty, B. (1977). Biological properties of interceptive agents from Aristolochia indica Linn. Indian J. Med. Res. 66, 991. Pakrashi, A and Chakrabarty, B. (1978 a). Antifertility effect of aristolic acid from Aristolochia indica (Linn) in female albino rats. Experientia 34, 1377. Pakrashi, A. and Chakrabarty, B. (1978 b). Anti – oestrogenic and anti-implantation effect of Aristolic acid from Aristolochia indica (Linn). Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16, 1283. Pakrashi, A. and Chakrabarty, S. (1978). A study of antivulatory activity of 5 – stigmastane – 3B, 5, 6B – triol – 3 – monobenzoate. I. R. C. S. Med. Sci. 6, 432. Pakrashi, Anita and Chakrabarty, Smritinath (1979). Antifertility effects of the steroid 5 – stigmastane – 3B, 5, 6B – triol – 3 – monobenzoate. Contraception 23, 315. Pakrashi, Anita and Chakrabarty, Smritinath (1981). Biological profile of the steroid 5 – stigmastane – 3B, 5, 6B – triol – 3 – monobenzoate. Contraception 23, 315. Pakrashi, A., Chakrabarty, B and Dasgupta, A (1976). Effect of the extract from Aristolochia indica Linn on interception in female mice. Experientia 32, 394. Pakrashi, A., Kabir, S. N. and Ray, H, (1981). 3 – (4 – hydroxyphenyl) – 2 – Propenoic acid – a reproductive inhibitor in male rat. Contraception 23, 677. Pakrashi, A. and Pakrasi, P. L. (1977). Antispermatogenic effect of the extract of Aristolochia indica Linn. on male mice. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 15, 256. Pakrashi, A., Pakrasi, P. L. and Kabir, S. N. (1979). Effect of p-coumaric acid (PCA) on fertility of male mice. I. R. C. S. Med. J. 7, 8.

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