Abstract
Background. Jatropha variegata (family, Euphorbiaceae) is native to Yemen, where it is commonly known as the Ebki shrub. The fruits of the plant are traditionally ingested by local women as a natural method of contraception. This study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical content of the methanol extract of J. variegata fruits and to evaluate its antifertility potential. Methods. Isolation of the chemical constituents was performed by chromatographic techniques, and the chemical structures of these compounds were identified by spectroscopy. The antifertility activity of the methanol extract was assessed in two experimental rat models to explore both the anti-implantation and the estrogenic/antiestrogenic activities in females. In these models, the number of successful implants, the size of litter, and body/ovary weights were all recorded. The development of ovarian follicles was also monitored via histological staining. Results. Phytochemical work on the fruit extract of J. variegata led to the isolation of two oils (JF1 and JF2) and methyl elaidate. GC-MS analysis of the JF1 oil revealed that the major chemical constituents were fatty acid esters (43.77%), hydrocarbon alkanes (20.65%), and terpenoids (4.65%), while terpenoids (28.8%), fatty acids and their esters, (29.47%), and phytosterol (10.49%) were the major components found in the JF2 oil. The methanol extract of J. variegata fruit exhibited 50% and 93% abortifacient activity at 150 and 300 mg/kg doses, respectively. The extract also showed significant estrogenic activity as evidenced by the increase in rat ovary weight at a dose of 300 mg/kg compared to the control group. Histological analyses further confirmed this estrogenic activity. Conclusions. J. variegata fruits possess an antifertility activity that appeared to result from its antiembryo implantation potential and from its estrogenic activity. The bioactive constituents involved in these activities may need to be further explored and exploited in the pursuit of newer contraceptives.