The practice of traditional medicine for the control of fertility in most part of South Western Ethiopia is based on the uses of plant medicine for many years. The present study was carried out in female albino rat to explore the abortifacient activity of the Rumex steudelli roots. Pregnant rats weighing 140- 200 g were randomized into 7 groups. Rats were laprotomised on 10th day of pregnancy and the two horns of uteri were examined to determine the implantation sites. The administration of 400 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Rumex steudelli resulted in 95% abortion. The 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight alcoholic extract showed 100% fetus abortion. The phytochemical screening of the roots of Rumex steudelli revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, steroids, tannins and saponins.
Evaluation of abortifacient efficacy of Rumex steudelli (Tult) root traditionally used medicinal plant in South West Ethiopia