Antiestrogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of n-Hexane Fraction of Vitex negundo Linn Leaf Extract: A Probable Mechanism for Blastocyst Implantation Failure in Mus musculus

Abstract

The anti-implantation potential of different fractions of Vitex negundo Linn leaf extract was evaluated in female Swiss Albino mice. Animals from different groups were dosed orally either with 0.2% agar (vehicle) or with fractions of V. negundo leaf extract (n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol, and remnant fractions) at 10:00 a.m., from day 1 to day 6 of pregnancy. The pregnant females from each group were sacrificed on different days of pregnancy (n = 6), and uterus was excised and used for estimation of lipid peroxidation and assay of superoxide dismutase activity as a marker for blastocyst implantation. Animals treated with n-hexane fraction showed altered level of superoxide anion radical and superoxide dismutase activity as compared to control animals. The probable mechanism by which this extract exhibits inhibition of blastocyst implantation is through the anti-inflammatory and antiestrogenic potential.

Traditional medicine herbs as natural product matrices in cancer chemoprevention: A trans pharmacological perspective (scoping review)

“…anti-implantation activity(Jivrajani, Ravat, Anandjiwala, & Nivsarkar, 2014). These are supportive of the reversal of cellular multiplication mediated by extracts of VN.…”

“…The ethanolic extract is cytotoxic to HepG2 cells, its antioxidant activity protects ongoing thioacetamide‐induced nephrotoxicity in preclinical studies which validates the effect biochemically and morphologically. The proapoptotic effect is exemplified by its necrotic effect on tubular epithelial cells as well as by its antiestrogenic and anti‐implantation activity (Jivrajani, Ravat, Anandjiwala, & Nivsarkar, 2014). These are supportive of the reversal of cellular multiplication mediated by extracts of VN.…”

Anti-inflammatory, Anti-estrogenic, and Anti-implantation activity of Bergia suffruticosa (Delile) Fenzl

“…Hence, SOD and superoxide anion radical were used as a marker for blastocyst implantation. [ 23 34 ] Estrogen surge at the time of implantation has been shown to be responsible for the decrease in SOD levels and increase in superoxide anion radical levels (as shown in the control animals). [ 32 ] However, this pattern was altered in the n -hexane extract treated animals were SOD levels increase and radical levels fall significantly at the time of implantation.…”

“…For instance, n -hexane fraction of Vitex negundo Linn (Verbenaceae) leaves inhibit blastocyst implantation in mice when administered orally on days 1–6 of pregnancy. [ 23 ] V. negundo is very well known for its anti-inflammatory activity. Similarly, leaf extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is also reported to possess anti-implantation activity.…”

A Systematic Review on the Pharmacological Prospectives of <i>Vitex negundo</i> in <i>Ayurveda</i> Drug Research

“…Ethanolic extract of leaves (at two different doses -100 mg/kg and 300 mg/ kg body weight) administered for 12 weeks showed hepatoprotective effect against thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury in Sprague Dawley rats 78,79 . n-hexane extract of leaves of V. negundo when administered for day 1-6 of pregnancy in female Swiss albino mice showed failure of blastocyte implantation highlighting its antiestrogenic potential 80 . The essential oil of Vitex negundo was found efficacious in inhibiting COX-2 pathway and thereby reducing inflammation, pain and arthritis.…”