| Abstract: | ![]()
The effect of the methanolic extract of khat (Catha edulis Forssk) was studied on female fertility in rats. The parameters included the effect on oestrus cycle, implantation, foetal loss, abortion, inhibition of uterotrophic activity and teratogenicity. The extract, in the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, produced dose dependent and significant anti-implantation activity. However, it failed to produce complete infertility in this dose range. Treatment of animals during day 8 to day 12 of pregnancy produced significant abortifacient activity. There was significant decrease in the weight and length of foetuses delivered by rats treated with the extract but there were no gross abnormalities in the organs of the offsprings. It also produced significant anti-oestrogenic activity as assessed by the mean weight of the uteri of rats treated with oestradiol and its combination with the khat extract. |
