Antiandrogenic Activity of Ruta graveolens L. in Female Albino Rats.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the toxic effects of Ruta graveolens (250 mg/kg body weight) on the reproductive system after administration to female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g for two time periods of 4 and 12 weeks. Twenty adult female rats were divided into two groups and exposed to Ruta graveolens diet at a concentration of 100 mg/kg/body weight for two periods of time. The rust group containing 10 rats received treatment for 4 weeks and the second group of 10 rats received the same dose of treatment for a period of 12 weeks and compared with twenty non-exposed female rats that received vehicle treatment Female rats were allowed mating with males after 10 d prior to the last administration of dose. Animals were autopsied under light anesthesia after mating and several parameters were determined including, number of pregnant rats, body and reproductive organ weight, number of implantation sites, viable fetuses and resorption sites. Assessment of pregnancies in females was measured and the significance of these results was calculated using student´s "t", and chi-square tests. The effect of Ruta graveolens exposure on fertility was assessed in terms of pregnant rats number, implantation sites, viable fetuses and resorption sites. Exposure to Ruta graveolens for 4 weeks did not have much effect on fertility. Significant decrease in the relative ovarian weights and embryo weights in rats exposed to Ruta graveolens was observed. Exposure to Ruta graveolens for 12 weeks resulted in a reduction in the percentage of pregnancies and in the number of implantation sites when compared with controls in both treatment periods. Rats receiving 12 weeks treatment showed an increase in ovarian weights and a decrease in viable fetus numbers. These results indicate that long-term exposure of female rats to Ruta graveolens causes adverse effects on the reproductive system and fertility.