Effects of crude methanolic extract of purple nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus L.) on the maturation of golfish oocytes

Abstract

<i>Cyperus rotundus L.</i> is a pernicious weed, which is traditionally used for different medical purposes and is locally recommended for antifertility purposes. A number of pharmacologically important constituents have been previously isolated from the plant. This study aims to test the effects of the crude methanolic extract of <i>C. rotundus L.</i> on the maturation of goldfish oocytes. The extract is found to induce 100% maturation at 5 mg/mL concentration. However, it becomes toxic at higher concentration. All goldfish oocytes (100% ) has died at 20 mg/mL concentration. The steroids and flavonoids present in the plant may be responsible for inducing goldfish oocyte maturation, whereas the alkaloids may be toxic to the oocytes. Further studies using mammalian systems <i>in vivo</i> and characterization of individual constituents are recommended.