Contraceptive effect of Lawsonia innermis (henna) in the Amo women of Jengre, Bassa local government area, Plateau state using the albino rats as experimental animals

Shugaba AI¹, Mohammed SO², Shinku F¹, Gambo IM³, Uzokwe CB¹, Mohammed MB¹, Rabiu AM³, Umar MBT¹

¹Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos Nigeria.

²Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.

³Department of Human Physiology,Faculty of Medical Sciences,University of Jos, Jos Nigeria.

*Corresponding author E-mail: alishugaba@yahoo.com; Phone: 08033454227

Accepted 03 September, 2012

Abstract

To test if Lawsonia innermis have any anti-fertility effects. To test the mechanisms of action of the plant using albino rats as experimental animals and to determine if conception is present after administration of plant extract. Experimental rats were used in accordance to the WHO regulatory procedures. Wister rats weighing 35g - 45g, three males and seven females at 3 weeks of age were used. Period covered by the experiment was two months. The selection of animals for use in the study was determined by the presence of at least two consecutive 4 - day estrous cycle. The animals which were divided into three groups were administered 5mls and 10mls of extract (Lawsonia Innermis) for four days. On the fifth day, fertile males were introduced using the 2:1 ratio (female to male) and were allowed to return with the females until the experiment was terminated. The control (third) group was given normal saline orally. The extract of the plant`s root was used. Its phytochemical analysis revealed that it contained saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, steroids and flavonoids balsam. The median lethal dose 3200C 170mg/Kg body weight. Mating was confirmed with the presence a of dead sperm cells in the vagina smear. Following the administration of the extract, the rats were sacrificed humanely the uterus removed and sections were made, stained and viewed microscopically. The effect of this plant was found to be dose dependent causing distortion in the normal histology of the ovary, preventing the formation of follicular cavity and arresting oocytes development and maturation. It also reduced the luminal diameter of the uterus and changed its normal star shaped appearance to oval shape. The results obtained from this research indicate that Lawsonia innermis has anti-contraceptive properties that are dose-dependent.

Keywords: Lawsonia innermis, contraception, albino rats, Amo women