In vivo Antifertility and Safety Profiles of Kenyan Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) extracts

Background: Unsustainable high population growth rate coupled with many women dying of complications of unsafe abortion, due to a large number of unwanted pregnancies, has been a challenge in many parts of the world especially in developing countries. This indicates that new and alternative contraceptive methods that are safe, cheap and convenient are needed. Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) was selected for this study based on previous studies that indicated antifertility effect in rats, of the aqueous extract of the roots and the stem bark. Objective: To establish the antifertility properties of M. oleifera . Methodology: The aerial parts, seeds, root bark and twigs were extracted using methanol, petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. In vivo antifertility evaluations in Swiss female mice, acute and sub-chronic toxicity and phytochemical studies were carried out on M. oleifera extracts. Results: The ethyl acetate extract of the seeds of M. oleifera demonstrated reversible antifertility effect at 800mg/kg. Physiological tests carried out on mice revealed that the extract arrested the estrus cycle either at the diestrus or the proestrus phase by prolonging them. Acute and chronic toxicity evaluation of the extract at 800mg/kg established the safety at the tested concentration. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the extract revealed the presence of terpenoids, steroids and fluorescent compounds, which may be responsible for the antifertility effect that was observed. Conclusion: The findings validate the ethnomedicinal use of M. oleifera seeds through the establishment of its safety, and the antifertility properties that make the extract a potential source of an alternative herbal contraceptive through further studies and development. Key words: Moringa oleifera , antifertility effect, estrus cycle, toxicity, phytochemical profile.