Sivaprasad Gudipudi

ABSTRACT

Euphorbia thymifolia root is having the protective effect against female reproductive dysfunctions. This study is to evaluate the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Euphorbia thymifolia root in treating female reproductive dysfunction induced by stress. Forced swimming stress (15min/day for 28 days) and restraint stress (3h/day for 28 days) were the methods employed to induce female reproductive dysfunction in rats. Ethanolic extract of Euphorbia thymifolia root was given to rats in two doses, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for 28 days along with induction of stress and its effectiveness was assessed by observing changes in FSH, LH, Prolactin, Estradiol and Progesterone. The results were analysed by using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. Euphorbia thymifolia root extract showed a significant protective effect which is evident by increase in the levels of FSH, LH, Progesterone and decrease in the levels of Prolactin and Estradiol which was found to be dose dependent. The protective effect may be due to the presence of various phytochemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids and other constituents present in the Euphorbia thymifolia root.