Background: Previously, folk claims of P. fruticosa were ascertained pharmacologically; and its safety studied, but its effect/safety on female reproductive system remained unknown. Objective: The study assessed P. fruticosa leaf extract (PFE) on follicular development in non-pregnant rats; implantation and post-implantation loss in pregnant rats. Methods: The study used healthy adult non-pregnant and pregnant female and male Wistar rats (150-200 g). Non-pregnant rats were randomly assigned to five groups: normal saline (5 ml/kg po), Clomiphene citrate (50 mg/kg po) and PFE (100, 200, 500 mg/kg po) and treated once daily for 21 days. Dams were sacrificed under deep anesthesia on day 22. ELISA kit was used to measure serum estrogen, FSH and LH. Uterus and ovary were histologically assessed. Dams were co-habited with fertile males for one week; confirmed day 1 pregnant rats were randomly re-assigned to five groups with Misoprostol (200 mg/kg) as reference and treated once daily for 15 days. Implantation and post-implantation loss were assessed (6 and 15 gestations). Results: PFE and clomiphene citrate increased follicular development at the primordial and primary follicle stages compared to control. PFE improved uterine musculature compared to control. PFE decreased serum FSH but increased (P
Key words: Follicular development, Polyscias fruticosa, Post-implantation loss
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