Effect of Nelumbo nucifera seeds on the reproductive organs of female rats

Nelumbo nucifera has been used as antifertility agent in females by the local tribals of Rajasthan especially of Udaipur district India.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Nelumbo nucifera on the fertility and general physiology in female rats.

20 female albino rats were taken and divided into two groups. Group 1 served as control and group 2 received ethanolic extract at dose of 800mg/kg b.wt. for investigating the nature of the drug and antifertility effect. Vaginal smear was monitored everyday in the morning to study the estrous cycle. On day 41st all the animals were sacrificed and various haematological and biochemical parameters were estimated.

Data revealed that oral administration of Nelumbo nucifera extract brought about a significant decline in the weight of Ovary; Control (43±4.75mg), Nelumbo extract treated (25±3.86mg), Uterus; Control (236±0.004mg), Nelumbo extract treated (214±0.007mg) and Vagina; Control (221±0.002mg), Nelumbo extract treated (178±0.003mg) as well as protein and glycogen level, however cholesterol level increased significantly. In addition, the diestrous phase of the estrous cycle was found to be prolonged; Control (1.81±0.21) days, Nelumbo extract treated (3.62±0.42) days.

These results suggest that Nelumbo nucifera has the anti-estrogenic nature without altering the general physiology of the female rats.