Effect of Aqueous extract of cynodon dactylon on reproductive hormones and reproductive organ weight of female wistar rats

Plant-derived chemicals have its profound influence on endocrine activities in both humans and animals. The increase in the rate of infertility in women has prompted the need to search for plants with antifertility potentials, devoid of harmful side effects.The present study focused on the effect of administration of aqueous extract of entire plant of cynodon dactylon forthirty days on reproductive hormones and reproductive organ weight of female Wistar rats .Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, steroids, flavinoids, saponins .Administration of the extract produced significant increase (P<0.001) in the serum estradiol concentration whereas those of, follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones were significantly (P<0.001) reduced.Further, a significant increase (P<0.001) in the weight of the uterus and significant decrease in the weight of the ovaries (P<0.001) was observed in the treated group when compared to the control group.In conclusion the present study suggest that the aqueous extract of cynodon dactylon might contains biologically active phytochemicals which might cause disturbance in the female reproductive physiology.