Effects of Inula viscosa leaf extracts on abortion and implantation in rats

The anti-implantation and mid-term abortifacient effects exhibited by administration of Inula viscosa leaf extracts, Were Studied in rats. The aqueous extract administered i.p. on day 1-6 of gestation, totally diminished fetal implantation and caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the number of corpora lutea and blood progesterone levels. Meanwhile, administration on day 13-15 of gestation exhibited mid-term abortion. Furthermore, petroleum ether and dichloromethane, but not methanol, extracts exhibited pronounced abortifacient effects. The results of this study are in agreement with the traditional reputation of this plant as abortifacient. Further, the plant possesses anti-implantational and luteolytic effects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.