Abstract

The anticonceptive, estrogenic and antiestrogenic potential of methanolic extract of Garcinia kola seed in rodents was investigated. The anti-conceptive effect of extract showed that the extract dose-dependently protected female mice and rats from conception for two to three gestational periods. Changes observed in the length and weights of pups were not statistically significant relative to control. There were no abnormalities observed in the pups over thirty days. In ovariectomized immature rats treated with extract (100 to 300 mg/kg), there was a significant increase in uterine wet weight. The extract also induced uterotrophic effects, namely, immature vaginal opening and cornification, when comparedwith control. These findings agree with the traditional use of G. kola seed in control of fertility. The contraceptive property of the extract may be associated with the direct effects of its chemical constituents.

Key words: Garcinia kola, anti-conceptive potential, estrogenic.