Antisteroidogenic Activity of Corallocarpus epigaeus Benth. Ex hook. Tubers in Female Mice Ovaries

Abstract

Ethanol (90%) extract of tubers of Corallocarpus epigaeus Benth. Ex hook (EECE) (Family Cucurbitaceae) was evaluated for its antifertility activity. The ethanol extracts at the doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg body weight (i.p.) arrested and content in ovarian tissues. The exract also significantly inhibited the activity of Δ⁵-3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (Δ⁵-3β-HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) the two key enzymes involved in ovarian steroidogenesis. Results of this study suggested that the ethanol extract of tubers of Corallocarpus epigaeus Benth. Ex. hook ethanol act as an antisteroidogenic agent.