EVALUATION OF ANTI-FERTILITY ACTIVITY OF RUBIA CORDIFOLIA LINN. ROOT EXTRACTS IN FEMALE RATS

V. Meenatchi and Dr. Uma Maheshwari*

Background: Traditional medicinal systems have long used Rubia cordifolia as a remedy for various reproductive and gynecological disorders. However, its antifertility potential remains scientifically underexplored. The objective is to evaluate the antifertility activity of aqueous and ethanolic root extracts of Rubia cordifolia in female Wistar rats. Methods: Ethanolic (EERC) and aqueous (AERC) extracts were prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated as per OECD guideline 420. Female rats were treated with the extracts (200 mg/kg, orally) during the first seven days of pregnancy. Anti-implantation and abortifacient effects were assessed on day 10. Histopathological analysis of uterine tissue was also performed. Results: Both extracts were non-toxic up to 2000 mg/kg. EERC showed 85% abortifacient and 25% anti-implantation activity, while AERC demonstrated 50% activity for both parameters. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and phenolics. Histology showed mild uterine epithelial hyperplasia with EERC, and normal uterine structure with AERC. Conclusion: Rubia cordifolia root extracts exhibit significant antifertility activity through anti-implantation and abortifacient effects, likely due to estrogenic phytoconstituents. These findings support its traditional use and suggest potential for development of plant-based contraceptive agents.