Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Ruta Graveolens on the Function of Reproductive System of Immature Female Balb/C Mice

Ruta graveolens(R.G) is currently used by Middle East countries for its antispasmodic, diuretic and sedative effects. Based on recent experiments R.G has antifertility activity in mice when administrated orally. This work was undertaken to examine the possible effect of alcoholic extract of R.G on reproductive system in female immature mice. In this experimental study the female immature mice(4-5wks old) were divided into three groups namely experimental, control and vehicle. For this reason animals were given 325 mg/kg[Leathal dose(LD)50, 650mg/kg] alcoholic extract of R.G intraperitonally(i.p) once every other day for one week. Animals of vehicle group received similar amount of normal olive oil and animals in control group were intact. One month after the last injection animals were deeply anesthetized with mixture of Ketamin and Xylasin and blood was collected from the heart. Sera were separated and kept in -20˚C. At the same time ovaries were removed, weighed and kept in Bowan for histological analysis. The results showed a significant decrease(P<0.01) in weight of ovaries in experimental group as compared with control. Such decrease in the weight was accompanied with decrease in the number of primordial follicules(P<0.01) and corpus luteum(p<0.01). Also the diameter of remaining corpus luteum decreased significantly(P<0.01). Radioimmuno assay results showed a significant decrease in estrogen levels in animals which received i.p injection of R.G. According to the results alcoholic extract of R.G can interfere with reproductive system functioning in immature female mice and might be useful as an antifertility substance.