Introduction: This study evaluates the histological changes of uterine tissue in the female Sprague Dawley rats after administration of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds in comparison to combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs). Methods: Twenty four female Sprague Dawley strain rats of 8 weeks old were divided into A, B, and C groups. Group A was the control and B was administrated with 0.05 mg/kg body weight of COCPs for 15 days. Group C was treated with 750 mg/kg body weight of fenugreek seed aqueous (FSA) extract for 15 days. The uterine tissues were isolated and studied histologically. Results: The uterine weight in the FSA extract treated group was normal, while in the COCPs treated group it was insignificantly increased. The endometrial thickness and endometrial gland density were normal in the FSA extract treated group, while in the COCPs treated group it was atrophied. Decidual-like cells were observed in the COCPs treated group only. Conclusions: Endometrial atrophy and decidual-like cells were noted after COCPs treatment while in the FSA extract and control groups they were absent. The findings suggest that fenugreek seeds could be used as an alternative natural and safe contraceptive product.

Introduction: This study examines the anti-fertility effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds extract in the reproductive system of female rats in comparison to combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs). Methods: Thirty two female Sprague Dawley rats of 8 weeks old were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D). All female rats were allowed to mate with male rats. Group A is a positive control and not given any treatment. Group B is a negative control group. Group C and D were treated with 0.05 mg/kg body weight of COCPs and 750 mg/kg body weight of fenugreek seed aqueous (FSA) extract for 15 days respectively. Blood samples were subsequently taken on the proestrous phase to evaluate the serum levels of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). The embryo implantation rate was studied in all groups. Results: Administration of 750 mg/kg FSA extract and COCPs both resulted in decreased FSH serum levels, to 25.62 ng/ml and 71.56 ng/ml respectively (p<0.01). The embryo implantation rate was zero in both FSA extract and COCPs treated groups. Conclusions: Anti-fertility effects of FSA extract and COCPs are potentially similar in terms of their ability to reduce FSH serum levels and inhibit implantation.