POSTCOITAL CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTS OF AN ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF THE DAUCUS-CAROTA LINN SEED IN RATS

The alcoholic extract of Daucus carota Linn (carrot) seed was administered at different doses ranging from 50 to 250 mg/kg. Bodyweight after coitus showed a significant antifertility effect, which was dose dependent. The administration of this extract at a lower dose showed anti-implantational activity, whereas higher doses caused fetus resorption. The main effect of the extract appears to be an abortifacient activity. At higher dose levels the extract demonstrated an estrogenic nature with a prolonged estrous phase, whereas lower doses showed an antiestrogenic nature and an increase in the percentage duration of the diestrous phase of the estrous cycle. This extract is neither progestational nor antiprogestational. A uterine mast cell study directly reflected the hormonal nature of the extract and the mode of antifertility activity in rats.