Effects of Calotropis procera on oestrous cycle and on oestrogenic functionality in rats

Effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. roots, have been studied on oestrous cycle and on some parameters of oestrogenic functionality in rats. Both extracts have been shown to interrupt the normal oestrous cycle in 60 and 80%, respectively, of rats treated. The rats exhibited prolonged dioestrous stage of the oestrous cycle with consequent temporary inhibition of ovulation. The contemporary administration of commercial oestro-progestinic preparation exhibited the same effects in 100% of rats treated. However, the extracts have not demonstrated to possess oestrogenic activity when tested in immature female bilaterally ovariectomized rats.