PHARMACEUTICO-ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE ANTI-FERTILITY ACTIVITY OF GARBHANIRODHAKA YOGA IN FEMALE WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Background: Population stabilization is a critical public health priority, necessitating the development of safe, non-hormonal, and naturally derived contraceptive agents. Garbhanirodhaka Yoga, a classical Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation, is reputed for its potential antifertility effects but lacks modern scientific validation. Objective: This study aimed to establish the pharmaceutico-analytical standards of Garbhanirodhaka Vati and evaluate its antifertility activity and safety profile in female Wistar albino rats. Methods: The formulation was prepared following classical Ayurvedic procedures using Shuddha Gairika (purified red ochre) and Talisapatra (Abies webbiana). Acute oral toxicity was assessed per OECD guidelines. Female Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Normal Control, Standard Control (ala-D), High Dose (single administration), Medium Dose (500mg/kg daily), and Low Dose (250mg/kg daily). Parameters including body weight, estrous cycle regularity, and fertility outcomes were monitored over 15 days. Results: Pharmaceutico-analytical evaluation confirmed the formulation's quality, with microbial loads within safety limits. In experimental studies, no significant alterations in body weight were observed (p>0.05), indicating a lack of systemic toxicity. Vaginal smear analysis revealed that while control groups maintained regular cyclicity, treated groups exhibited disrupted cycles. The medium-dose group showed persistent estrus, while the low-dose group exhibited persistent diestrus, indicative of ovulatory inhibition. Conclusion: Garbhanirodhaka Vati demonstrates a favorable safety profile and significant dose-dependent antifertility activity. The findings support its potential as a safe, non-hormonal oral contraceptive alternative.