A preliminary evaluation of antifertility activity of a triterpenoid glycoside (DSS) from Dalbergia saxatilis in female Wistar rats.

Antifertility activity of a triterpenoid glycoside, DSS, isolated from the root of Dalbergia saxatilis was investigated in female Wistar rats of breeding age. When administered by gastric intubation at a dose rate of 200 mg kg(-1)body weight at the premating period, conception was inhibited in 71.4% of the treated animals. Fertility Index (FI) for this group was 107.82 compared with 373.5 value for control rats that received 30% aqueous Tween 20 vehicle. DSS, did not significantly alter the fertility of rats at the first and second trimesters of pregnancy but did cause a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the mean Day 20 foetal crown-rump length when administered at the premating period and at the third trimester of pregnancy; with a concurrent decline in the mean maternal body weights. The potential use of DSS as a chemosterilant in fertility control are discussed.