Antifertility studies of curcumin and andrographolide combination in female rats

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the antifertility potential of curcumin and andrographolide combination in female rats by studying its effect on implantation and estrus cycle. Methods: Female Sprague Dawley rats (180 ± 30 g) were used for study. They were divided into groups and were treated as per schedule. The antifertility effect of curcumin and andrographolide was evaluated by measuring their effect on implantation and estrus cycle of rats. Also their antigonadotropic and antiestrogenic effects were evaluated using suitable screening method. Results: The combination significantly reduced the number of implants and the size of the litters in rats compared to the normal control group. The combination also significantly altered the durations of each phase of estrus cycle and synergized the effect to decrease the number of ovarian follicles. Conclusion: The results indicate that the combination produces greater antifertility effects and thus can play a vital role in fertility control.

Keywords

• Curcumin
• Andrographolide
• Antifertility
• Estradiol
• Ovarian weight
• Follicles