Antifertility and Anti-Implantation Effects of Croton tiglium Seed Extracts in Female Albino Rats

Background and Objective: Croton tiglium, a Euphorbiaceae plant, has been traditionally used in African, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine for its purgative and contraceptive properties. Its seeds hold ethnopharmacological significance in fertility regulation practices. This study evaluated the antifertility and anti-implantation effects of Croton tiglium seed extracts in mature female albino rats. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Animal Physiology Laboratory, Sudan University for Science and Technology, over three months. Thirty healthy female albino rats (150-180 g, 10-12 weeks) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). Ethanol and petroleum ether seed extracts of Croton tiglium were prepared using Soxhlet extraction and administered orally for 7 days post-mating. Mating was confirmed by sperm-positive vaginal smears, marking day 1 of pregnancy. On day 10, laparotomy was performed to assess implantation sites. Reproductive tissues were collected and processed for histopathology using H&E staining. The histologist was blinded to group allocation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with significance at p<0.05. Results: The ethanol extract completely inhibited implantation, resulting in no pregnancies and high mortality, while the petroleum ether extract exhibited partial antifertility effects. The ethanol extract of Croton tiglium exerts potent antifertility and anti-implantation effects, primarily through direct uterine toxicity and disruption of endometrial histology. While ovarian tissue remains unaffected, the extract causes marked alterations in uterine and vaginal tissues, suggesting a localized site of action. In contrast, the petroleum ether extract shows a milder and reversible antifertility effect, implying a compound-specific mechanism. Histopathological analysis revealed significant uterine and vaginal changes in the ethanol-treated group, with no alterations in the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Conclusion: These findings support the traditional use of Croton tiglium for contraception and suggest that its antifertility effect primarily operates via interference with uterine implantation.