Contraceptive and sexual behavioural effects of methanol extract of Smilax kraussiana root in rodents

Abstract

Background: Smilax kraussiana root has an age-long historical use for family planning among the Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Traditionally, a decoction of the root is made either with boiling water or local gin and administered.

Objective: To investigate its contraceptive potential with a view of ascertaining the scientific basis for its use in family planning, and establish if any, its mechanism for action.

Method: The pulverized root was macerated in methanol for 72h and filtered with Whatman filter paper No.4. It was stored – 4⁰C until when required. Randomized female rats having regular estrus cycle were divided into groups and were administered with various doses of extract. They were observed for estrus, ovulation and contraception as well as progestational and sexual behaviour.

Result: The result showed that it has anticonceptive effect, altered estrus, and ovulation cycle and possessed estrogenic effect which resulted in contraception. It also increases lordosis frequency, lordosis quotient as well as intromission frequency.

Conclusion: The anticonceptive, estrogenic and progestational properties as well as its copulatory behaviours are predicated on the properties of its phytochemical constituents which includes alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. This therefore, justifies its folkloric use in family planning.

Keywords: Smilax kraussiana, contraceptive extract, rodents, sexual behaviour.