EFFECTS OF RUTA GRAVEOLENS (RG) AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON DIAMETRE AND NUMBER OF DIFFERENT OVARIAN FOLLICLES IN MICE

Ruta Graveolens (RG) commonly called sodab has been known as a medicinal
herb since ancient times.RG (Sodab) is traditionally used as contraceptive and occasionally for
induction of abortion in humans.However, little is known about its anti-fertility property.This work
aimed to study the anti-fertility properties of RG aqueous extract using histomorphometry method.
Materials & Methods: The study was performed on 24 female mice that were divided into two groups
as control and RG.The control group received normal saline 0.2 ml and the RG group received 300
mg/kg aqueous extract of RG per day, orally for 14 days.On days 17 (week 1), 24 (week 2) and 31
(week 3) after treatment, Histomorphometric studies were conducted on the ovary tissue.The number
of follicles and its diameters were measured.
Results: We found that RG extract reduced the number of mature follicles, and increased the number
of immature follicles.The findings revealed that RG extract reduced follicle diameter in mice, when
compared to the control group.
Conclusion: It was found that the aqueous extract of RG interfere with follicle development and
reduced fertilizing ability in female mice