Extraction efficiency and estrogen or alike activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of different parts of Calotropis procera

In this study, estrogen or alike activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of shade-dried roots, branches and leaves of Calotropis procera Ait. (Asclepiadaceae) were evaluated. The quantity of aqueous extract for the respective parts was 8.33, 20.83 and 41.67%, and was higher than that obtained with ethanol, whilst leaves yielded greater extract than roots or branches. For the determination of the estrogen or alike activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of three parts of C. procera, 40 immature female rats were taken and divided into 4 equal groups A, B, C and D. Rats of group A served as control, while those of groups B, C and D were given ethanolic extracts of roots, branches and leaves, respectively for 14 days at the dose rate of 250 mg per kg body weight. Another 40 immature female rats were treated in the same way with aqueous extracts of three parts of the plant. After 7 days, from each group, 5 rats were killed, while the remain ing 5 rats were killed 14 days after treatment. For ethanolic extracts, body weight and weights of the ovaries and uterus did not differ between treated and control groups. However, the weight of the vagina was higher (P less than 0.05) in rats of control than other three groups. Serum estradiol concentrations did not differ between rats of all groups. However, serum progesterone concentrations were higher in rats given extracts of branches and leaves than those of other two groups (P less than 0.05). Contrarily, for aqueous extracts there were no differences in body weight, weights of left ovary and uterus in treated and control rats. Weight of the right ovary was higher in rats treated with extract of leaves, while the weight of vagina in treated groups was lower than the controls. Control rats also showed higher serum estrogen concentrations than treated groups. It was concluded that ethanolic and aqueous extracts of roots, branches and leaves of C. procera produced no est rogen or alike activity in immature female rats.