ABSTRACT
Our aim is to evaluate the effect of petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and aqueous extracts of stem of Musa paradisiaca Linn (Musaceae) on the estrous cycle and to identify the estrogenic activity of most active ethanol extract in female albino rats. Plant extracts were tested for antifertility activity in female albino rats at two dose level 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. The effective ethanol extract were further studied on estrogenic activity in rats. Histological studies of the uterus were carried out to confirm their estrogenic activity. The result of study revealed that the treatment of rats with extract of M. paradisiaca Linn at a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight for five days cause a prolonged diestrous stage of the estrous cycle with consequent temporary inhibition of ovulation. The ethanol extract was most effective in interrupting the normal cycle of rats (P< 0.05<0.01<0.001). This later exhibited prolonged diestrous stage of the estrous cycle with consequent temporary inhibition of ovulation. The antiovulatory activity was reversible on discontinuation of treatment. The ethanol extract showed significant estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity. All findings suggest that the antifertility activity of ethanol extract of M. paradisiaca Linn.