چکیده (انگلیسی):

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the alterations in oestrus cycle and
implantation in Mus musculus administered aqueous wood ash extract of Azadirachta
indica.
Methods: Mice were randomly grouped into four groups (5/group) where 0, 5, 50 and
100 mg/kg doses of the extract were orally administered for 20 d and microscopy of
vaginal smear carried out daily to determine anti-ovulatory activity. Oestrus cycle,
including metestrus, diestrus and oestrus phases and histopathology of uterus were
examined. To assess abortifacient activity, pregnant mice were also administered extracts
for 7 d and laparotomised on the 10th day of pregnancy to observe implantation in the
horns of the uterus.
Results: Duration of metestrus and diestrus phases varied significantly, while the frequency
at which the oestrus phase occurred was lowest at 100 mg/kg, (2.8 ± 0.2) and
(1.2 ± 0.4) d, with degeneration of epithelial cells of glands in the uterus. Failure of
implantation (0% implantation) was recorded in mice exposed to 50 and 100 mg/kg of the
extract.
Conclusions: Aqueous wood ash extract of A. indica altered the duration of metestrus,
diestrus and oestrus phases of the oestrus cycle and compromised implantation in female
mice.