Evidence for a role of nitric oxide in iron homeostasis in plants

Nitric oxide (NO), once regarded as a poisonous air pollutant, is now understood as a regulatory molecule essential for several biological functions in plants. In this review, we summarize NO generation in different plant organs and cellular compartments, and also discuss the role of NO in iron (Fe) homeostasis, particularly in Fe-deficient plants. Fe is one of the most limiting essential nutrient elements for plants. Plants often exhibit Fe deficiency symptoms despite sufficient tissue Fe concentrations. NO appears to not only up-regulate Fe uptake mechanisms but also makes Fe more bioavailable for metabolic functions. NO forms complexes with Fe, which can then be delivered into target cells/tissues. NO generated in plants can alleviate oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant defense processes, probably by improving functional Fe status and by inducing post-translational modifications in the enzymes/proteins involved in antioxidant defense responses. It is hypothesized that NO acts in cooperation with transcription factors such as bHLHs, FIT, and IRO to regulate the expression of enzymes and proteins essential for Fe homeostasis. However, further investigations are needed to disentangle the interaction of NO with intracellular target molecules that leads to enhanced internal Fe availability in plants.

The nitric oxide suppressed Arabidopsis mutants- Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 produce nitric oxide in MS growth medium and on uranium exposure

The mutants Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 having a defective chloroplast developmental process, showed enhanced chlorophyll levels when they were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and on exposure with uranium (U) on Hoagland medium. Thus we hypothesized that these mutants probably produced NO in MS medium and on exposure with U. Wild-type Col-0, Atnoa1, Atnia1nia2noa1-2 plants were cultured on modified Hoagland and 1/10 MS media and NO generation in the roots of these mutants was monitored using NO selective fluorescent dyes, DAF-2DA and Fl2E. Both Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 triple mutants produced NO as observed by increases in DAF-2T and Fl2E fluorescence when these mutants were grown on MS medium but not on Hoagland medium. In presence of NO scavenger, methylene blue (MB, 200 μM), DAF-2T and Fl2E fluorescence was completely abolished. On the other hand treatment of the plants with 25 μM U triggered NO generation. U-treated Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 plants upregulated genes (POR B, POR D, CHL D) involved in the chlorophyll biosynthesis. From these results it was concluded that Atnoa1 and Atnia1nia2noa1-2 are conditional NO producers and it appears that NO generation in plants substantially depends on growth medium and NIA1, NIA2 or NOA1 does not appear to be really involved in NO generation in MS medium or after U exposure.

Evaluation and comparison of transverse and impact strength of different high strength denture base resins

AIM

The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the impact strength and transverse strength of the high-impact denture base materials. A conventional heat polymerized acrylic resin was used as a control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The entire experiment was divided into four main groups with twenty specimens each according to denture base material selected Trevalon, Trevalon Hi, DPI Tuff and Metrocryl Hi. These groups were further subgrouped into the two parameters selected, impact strength and flexural strength with ten specimens each. These specimens were then subjected to transverse bend tests with the help of Lloyds instrument using a three point bend principle. Impact tests were undertaken using an Izod-Charpy digital impact tester.

RESULTS

This study was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance using Fisher f-test and Bonferroni t-test. There was a significant improvement in the impact strength of high-impact denture base resins as compared to control (Trevalon). However, in terms of transverse bend tests, only DPI Tuff showed higher transverse strength in comparison to control. Trevalon Hi and Metrocryl Hi showed a decrease in transverse strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of this in vitro study, (1) There is a definite increase in impact strength due to the incorporation of butadiene styrene rubber in this high strength denture base materials as compared to Trevalon used as a control. (2) Further investigations are required to prevent the unduly decrease of transverse strength. (3) It was the limitation of the study that the exact composition of the high-impact resins was not disclosed by the manufacturer that would have helped in better understanding of their behavior.

Overproduction of stromal ferredoxin:NADPH oxidoreductase in H2O 2-accumulating Brassica napus leaf protoplasts

The isolation of Brassica napus leaf protoplasts induces reactive oxygen species generation and accumulation in the chloroplasts. An activated isoform of NADPH oxidase-like protein was detected in the protoplasts and the protoplast chloroplasts. The purpose of this study is to define the NADH oxidase-like activities in the H2O2-accumulating protoplast chloroplasts. Proteomic analysis of this protein revealed an isoform of ferredoxin:NADPH oxidoreductase (FNR1). While leaves highly expressed the LFNR1 transcript, protoplasts decreased the expression significantly. The protoplast chloroplasts predominantly expressed soluble FNR1 proteins. While the albino leaves of white kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala f. tricolor cv. white pigeon) expressed FNR1 protein at the same level as B. napus leaves, the protoplasts of albino leaves displayed reduced FNR1 expression. The albino leaf protoplasts of white kale generated and accumulated H2O2 in the cytoplasm and on the plasma membrane. Intracellular pH showed that the chloroplasts were acidic, which suggest that excess H(+) was generated in chloroplast stroma. NADPH content of the protoplast chloroplasts increased by over sixfold during the isolation of protoplasts. This study reports a possibility of mediating electrons to oxygen by an overproduced soluble FNR, and suggests that the FNR has a function in utilizing any excess reducing power of NADPH.

Coincidental diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis: a case report

The aim of this case report was to present a case of multiple calcified tuberculous lymph nodes found on a panoramic radiograph coincidently diagnosed in an endodontic clinic. A detailed discussion on the differential diagnosis of similar such calcification found in the same region is also presented. A 14-year-old girl was referred to our department with the complaint of painless swelling in the left side of the lower jaw. Clinical and radiographical examinations were performed, leading to the initial diagnosis of chronic periapical abscess. The patient's medical history was re-evaluated. Advanced imaging and excisional biopsy were performed in order to confirm the final diagnosis. Regarding the presenting signs and symptoms of bilateral carious mandibular molars, a periapical inflammatory process was considered in the provisional diagnosis. A thorough examination and investigations were suggestive of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula), and the patient underwent excision of the same. The clinician should consider the possibility of chronic granulomatous inflammatory lesions in the differential diagnosis of radiopaque lesions.

Iron deprivation-induced reactive oxygen species generation leads to non-autolytic PCD in Brassica napus leaves

Using iron-deprived (-Fe) chlorotic as well as green iron-deficient (5 μM Fe) and iron-sufficient supplied (50 μM Fe) leaves of young hydroponically reared Brassica napus plants, we explored iron deficiency effects on triggering programmed cell death (PCD) phenomena. Iron deficiency increased superoxide anion but decreased hydroxyl radical (•OH) formation (TBARS levels). Impaired photosystem II efficiency led to hydrogen peroxide accumulation in chloroplasts; NADPH oxidase activity, however, remained on the same level in all treatments. Non-autolytic PCD was observed especially in the chlorotic leaf of iron-deprived plants, to a lesser extent in iron-deficient plants. It correlated with higher DNAse-, alkaline protease- and caspase-3-like activities, DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation, hydrogen peroxide accumulation and higher superoxide dismutase activity. A significant decrease in catalase activity together with rising levels of dehydroascorbic acid indicated a strong disturbance of the redox homeostasis, which, however, was not caused by •OH formation in concordance with the fact that iron is required to catalyse the Fenton reaction leading to •OH generation. This study documents the chain of events that contributes to the development of non-autolytic PCD in advanced stages of iron deficiency in B. napus leaves.

Endogenous nitric oxide generation in protoplast chloroplasts

KEY MESSAGE : NO generation is studied in the protoplast chloroplasts. NO, ONOO ( - ) and ROS (O ( 2 ) ( - ) and H ( 2 ) O ( 2 ) ) are generated in chloroplasts. Nitric oxide synthase-like protein appears to be involved in NO generation. Nitric oxide stimulates chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast differentiation. The present study was conducted to better understand the process of NO generation in the leaf chloroplasts and protoplasts. NO, peroxynitrite and superoxide anion were investigated in the protoplasts and isolated chloroplasts using specific dyes, confocal laser scanning and light microscopy. The level of NO was highest after protoplast isolation and subsequently decreased during culture. Suppression of NO signal in the presence of PTIO, suggests that diaminofluorescein-2 diacetate (DAF-2DA) detected NO. Detection of peroxynitrite, a reaction product of NO and superoxide anion, further suggests NO generation. Moreover, generation of NO and peroxynitrite in the chloroplasts of wild-type Arabidopsis and their absence or weak signals in the leaf-derived protoplasts of Atnoa1 mutants confirmed the reactivity of DAF-2DA and aminophenyl fluorescein to NO and peroxynitrite, respectively. Isolated chloroplasts also showed signal of NO. Suppression of NO signal in the presence of 100 μM nitric oxide synthase inhibitors [L-NNA, Nω-nitro-L-arginine and PBIT, S,S'-1,3-phenylene-bis(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis-isothiourea] revealed that nitric oxide synthase-like system is involved in NO synthesis. Suppression of NO signal in the protoplasts isolated in the presence of cycloheximide suggests de novo synthesis of NO generating protein during the process of protoplast isolation. Furthermore, the lack of inhibition of NO production by sodium tungstate (250 μM) and inhibition by L-NNA, and PBIT suggest involvement NOS-like protein, but not nitrate reductase, in NO generation in the leaf chloroplasts and protoplasts.

Chloroplastic NADPH oxidase-like activity-mediated perpetual hydrogen peroxide generation in the chloroplast induces apoptotic-like death of Brassica napus leaf protoplasts

Despite extensive research over the past years, regeneration from protoplasts has been observed in only a limited number of plant species. Protoplasts undergo complex metabolic modification during their isolation. The isolation of protoplasts induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in Brassica napus leaf protoplasts. The present study was conducted to provide new insight into the mechanism of ROS generation in B. napus leaf protoplasts. In vivo localization of H(2)O(2) and enzymes involved in H(2)O(2) generation and detoxification, molecular antioxidant-ascorbate and its redox state and lipid peroxidation were investigated in the leaf and isolated protoplasts. Incubating leaf strips in the macerating enzyme (ME) for different duration (3, 6, and 12 h) induced accumulation of H(2)O(2) and malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation, an index of membrane damage) in protoplasts. The level of H(2)O(2) was highest just after protoplast isolation and subsequently decreased during culture. Superoxide generating NADPH oxidase (NOX)-like activity was enhanced, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased in the protoplasts compared to leaves. Diaminobenzidine peroxidase (DAB-POD) activity was also lower in the protoplasts compared to leaves. Total ascorbate content, ascorbate to dehydroascorbate ratio (redox state), were enhanced in the protoplasts compared to leaves. Higher activity of NOX-like enzyme and weakening in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX, and DAB-POD) in protoplasts resulted in excessive accumulation of H(2)O(2) in chloroplasts of protoplasts. Chloroplastic NADPH oxidase-like activity mediated perpetual H(2)O(2) generation probably induced apoptotic-like cell death of B. napus leaf protoplasts as indicated by parallel DNA laddering and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential.

Single Step Endodontic Management of Immature Apices using MTA

Aim

To examine the clinical and radiographic appearance of teeth with immature apices that were treated by single step procedure using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

Summary

Creation of a physiological hard tissue barrier with calcium hydroxide in a nonvital tooth although quite predictable has certain limitations, such as the very long duration of the treatment spread over multiple visits and increased risk of root fracture. Plugging the root canal end with MTA has been advocated as an alternative treatment modality for open apices. The technique has been proven to be successful in many recently reported cases. The cases reported here present the successful treatment of two traumatized maxillary central incisors with open apices and periapical lesions using MTA. In this case report, MTA has been used to create a hard tissue barrier after disinfection of the root canal.

Sodium nitroprusside-mediated alleviation of iron deficiency and modulation of antioxidant responses in maize plants

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nitric oxide (NO) has been reported to alleviate Fe-deficiency effects, possibly by enhancing the functional Fe status of plants. This study examines changes in tissue Fe status and oxidative metabolism in Fe-deficient maize (Zea mays L.) plants enriched with NO using sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a source.

METHODOLOGY

Measurements included changes in concentrations of H(2)O(2), non-protein thiols, levels of lipid peroxidation and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and of the Fe-requiring antioxidant haem enzymes catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidases. Internal NO in Fe-deficient maize plants was manipulated with SNP and the NO scavenger, methylene blue (MB). A key control was treatment with sodium ferrocyanide (SF), a non-NO-supplying analogue of SNP.

PRINCIPAL RESULTS

SNP but not SF caused re-greening of leaves in Fe-deficient maize plants over 10-20 days, increased in vivo NO content, raised chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, promoted growth in dry weight, increased the activities of H(2)O(2)-scavenging haem enzymes and enhanced lipid peroxidation, while decreasing SOD activity and H(2)O(2) concentrations. The NO scavenger, MB, blocked the effects of the SNP. Although SNP and SF each donated Fe and increased active Fe, only SNP increased leaf chlorophyll.

CONCLUSIONS

NO plays a role in Fe nutrition, independently of its effect on total or active Fe status. The most probable mechanism of NO involvement is to increase the intracellular availability of Fe by means of modulating redox. This is likely to be achieved by enhancing the chemical reduction of foliar Fe(III) to Fe(II).

Morphology and oxidative physiology of boron-deficient mulberry plants

The aim of the study was to induce B deficiency symptoms and to relate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altered cellular redox environment with the effects of B deficiency in mulberry (Morus alba L.) cv. Kanva-2 plants. Study was undertaken on antioxidant responses, malondialdehyde (MDA) content as an indicator of oxidative damage and ratio of dehydroascorbate (DHA) to ascorbic acid (AsA) as an index of cellular redox environment in B-deficient (0.0 microM) and B-supraoptimal (33 microM) mulberry plants. B deficiency symptoms appeared as upward cupping of the young emerging leaves. Later on, B-deficient plants developed lenticels like cracks on major vein, petiole and stem. B-deficient leaves had higher water potential (Psi) and relative water content (RWC), contained a lower concentration of B, less chloroplastic pigments and high tissue Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations compared to the controls. Hydrogen peroxide was accumulated in leaves of B-deficient and B-supraoptimal plants. B-supraoptimal plants also showed an increased DHA/AsA ratio. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) were increased in B-deficient leaves. The activities of SOD and POD were decreased in B-supraoptimal plants. The results suggest that B deficiency aggravates oxidative stress through enhanced generation of ROS in mulberry plants.

Radix Entomolaris: A Clinical Challenge

A major anatomical variant of the two-rooted mandibular first molar is a tooth with an additional distolingual third root: The radix entomolaris (RE). It is essential to anticipate and find all roots and canals during root canal treatment. Proper angulations and interpretation of radiographs help to identify pulp chamber and root anatomy. If present, an awareness and understanding of this unusual root and its root canal morphology can contribute to the successful outcome of root canal treatment.

Nitric oxide retards xanthine oxidase-mediated superoxide anion generation in Phalaenopsis flower: an implication of NO in the senescence and oxidative stress regulation

Senescence is a developmentally regulated and highly ordered sequence of events. Senescence leads to abscission of plant organs and eventually leads to death of a plant or part of it. Present study revealed that Phalaenopsis flower undergo senescence due to over activation of O(2) (.-)generating xanthine oxidase (XO), which consequently increases the concentrations of O(2) (.-) leading to enhanced oxidative damage and disturbed cellular redox environment as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation and DHA/AsA + DHA ratio, respectively. While activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and non-specific peroxidase (POD) were enhanced in sepals and petals of old flower, activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) were decreased. Exogenous application of nitric oxide (NO) retarded H(2)O(2)-induced senescence of Phalaenopsis flower by downregulating activity of XO and concentrations of O(2) (.-), H(2)O(2) and malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation). Exogenous application of NO also downregulated SOD activity and upregulated antioxidant enzymes involved in the detoxification of H(2)O(2) (CAT and APX), and in the regulation of redox couples viz, monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and GR, together with the modulation in non-protein thiol status and DHA/AsA + DHA ratio.

Function of nitric oxide and superoxide anion in the adventitious root development and antioxidant defence in Panax ginseng

The involvement of NO in O(2)(.-) generation, rootlet development and antioxidant defence were investigated in the adventitious root cultures of mountain ginseng. Treatments of NO producers (SNP, sodium nitroprusside; SNAP, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine; and sodium nitrite with ascorbic acid), and NO scavenger (PTIO, 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl3-oxide) revealed that NO is involved in the induction of new rootlets. Severe decline in number of new rootlets compared to the control under PTIO treatment indicates that NO acts downstream of auxin action in the process. NO producers (SNP, SNAP and sodium nitrite with ascorbic acid) activated NADPH oxidase activity, resulting in greater O(2)(.-) generation and higher number of new rootlets in the adventitious root explants. Moreover, treatment of diphenyliodonium chloride, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, individually or along with SNP, inhibited root growth, NADPH oxidase activity and O(2)(.-) anion generation. NO supply also enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes that are likely to be responsible for reducing H(2)O(2)levels and lipid peroxidation as well as modulation of ascorbate and non-protein thiol concentrations in the adventitious roots. Our results suggest that NO-induced generation of O(2) (.-) by activating NADPH oxidase activity is related to adventitious root formation in mountain ginseng.

Modulation of copper toxicity-induced oxidative damage by excess supply of iron in maize plants

In this study, we examined the modulation of Cu toxicity-induced oxidative stress by excess supply of iron in Zea mays L. plants. Plants receiving excess of Cu (100 microM) showed decreased water potential and simultaneously showed wilting in the leaves. Later, the young leaves exhibited chlorosis and necrotic scorching of lamina. Excess of Cu suppressed growth, decreased concentration of chloroplastic pigments and fresh and dry weight of plants. The activities of peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7; POD), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11; APX) and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1; SOD) were increased in plants supplied excess of Cu. However, activity of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6; CAT), was depressed in these plants. In gel activities of isoforms of POD, APX and SOD also revealed upregulation of these enzymes. Excess (500 microM)-Fe-supplemented Cu-stressed plants, however, looked better in their phenotypic appearance, had increased concentration of chloroplastic pigments, dry weight, and improved leaf tissue water status in comparison to the plants supplied excess of Cu. Moreover, activities of antioxidant enzymes including CAT were further enhanced and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and H(2)O(2) concentrations decreased in excess-Fe-supplemented Cu-stressed plants. In situ accumulation of H(2)O(2), contrary to that of O(2)(*-) radical, increased in both leaf and roots of excess-Cu-stressed plants, but Cu-excess plants supplied with excess-Fe showed reduced accumulation H(2)O(2) and little higher of O(2)(*-) in comparison to excess-Cu plants. It is, therefore, concluded that excess-Cu (100 microM) induces oxidative stress by increasing production of H(2)O(2) despite of increased antioxidant protection and that the excess-Cu-induced oxidative damage is minimized by excess supply of Fe.

Modulation of copper toxicity-induced oxidative damage by nitric oxide supply in the adventitious roots of Panax ginseng

Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly reactive, membrane-permeable free radical, which has recently emerged as an important signalling molecule and antioxidant. Here we investigated the protective effect of NO against the toxicity caused by excess CuSO(4) (50 microM) in the adventitious roots of mountain ginseng. It was found that NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), was effective in reducing Cu-induced toxicity in the mountain ginseng adventitious roots. Protective effect of SNP, as indicated by extent of lipid peroxidation, was reversed by incorporation of 2-(4-carboxy-2-phenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (CPTIO), a NO scavenger, in the medium suggesting that the protective effect of SNP is attributable to NO released, which was revealed from in situ confocal laser scanning microscopic localization of NO in the adventitious roots of mountain ginseng. Results obtained in the present study suggest that reduction of excess Cu-induced toxicity by SNP is most likely mediated through the modulation in the activities of antioxidant enzymes involved in H(2)O(2) detoxification (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) and in the maintenance of cellular redox couples (glutathione reductase), and contents of molecular antioxidants (particularly non-protein thiol, ascorbate and its redox status). Exogenous NO supply also improved the activity of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme responsible for O*(2) (-) dismutation, and NADPH oxidase, an enzyme responsible for O*(2) (-) generation, in excess Cu supplied adventitious roots of mountain ginseng.

Antioxidant responses to enhanced generation of superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide in the copper-stressed mulberry plants

The aim of the study was to implicate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altered cellular redox environment with the effects of Cu-deficiency or Cu-excess in mulberry (Morus alba L.) cv. Kanva 2 plants. A study of antioxidative responses, indicators of oxidative damage and cellular redox environment in Cu-deficient or Cu-excess mulberry plants was undertaken. While the young leaves of plants supplied with nil Cu showed chlorosis and necrotic scorching of laminae, the older and middle leaves of plants supplied with nil or 0.1 microM Cu showed purplish-brown pigmented interveinal areas that later turned necrotic along the apices and margins of leaves. The Cu-excess plants showed accelerated senescence of the older leaves. The Cu-deficient plants showed accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical. The accumulation of hydrogen peroxide was strikingly intense in the middle portion of trichomes on Cu-deficient leaves. Though the concentration of total ascorbate increased with the increasing supply of Cu, the ratio of the redox couple (DHA/ascorbic acid) increased in Cu-deficient or Cu-excess plants. The activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) increased in both Cu-deficient and Cu-excess plants. The results suggest that deficiency of Cu aggravates oxidative stress through enhanced generation of ROS and disturbed redox couple. Excess of Cu damaged roots, accelerated the rate of senescence in the older leaves, induced antioxidant responses and disturbed the cellular redox environment in the young leaves of mulberry plants.

Cadmium toxicity induced changes in plant water relations and oxidative metabolism of Brassica juncea L. plants

Excess of cadmium (Cd) induced changes in oxidative scenario and water status of plants viz.., total water content, specific water content, water saturation deficit (WSD) and transpiration of Brassica juncea plants grown in soil pot culture. Although lower and marginal levels of excess cadmium (100 and 250 ppm) improved growth but higher levels (500 ppm) caused significant suppression. Significant accumulation of proline, an indicator of water stress, occurred at higher level of Cd. Gradual increases in activities of certain antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase along with increased lipid peroxidation are suggestive of disturbed oxidative metabolism. Taking together, the deleterious effects of Cd and its effects on oxidative metabolism clearly indicate enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to be instrumental in producing toxic effects of Cd. The excess levels of Cd also decreased the concentrations of soluble protein and chlorophylls and increased the ratio of chlorophyll a/b.

Anti-implantation activity of some indigenous plants in rats

Various extracts of one hundred and eight medicinal plants were screened for their anti-implantation activity in female albino rats. Out of these, 50% ethanolic extract of Codonospis ovata Benth (PL); 50% ethanolic, acetone and benzene extracts of Puararia tuberosa DC (TUB); aqueous and methanolic extracts of Punica granatum Linn. (PX) and ethanolic and acetone extracts of Rubus ellipiticus Smith (PX) inhibited pregnancy in 70-90% of rats. Similarly ethanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica Nees (LF) and Kigelia pinnata DC (PL); ethanolic and acetone extracts of Acrostichum aureum Linn. (PL), Juniperus communis Linn. (SD), Lepidium capitatum H.f. & T. (PL); ethanolic and benzene extracts of Citrulus colocynthus Schrad (LF) and acetone extract of Codonopsis ovata Benth (PL) showed 60-70% anti-implantation activity. Extracts of a few plants VIZ. Dolichos biflorus Linn. (SD), Ferule orientalis Linn. (PL), Nerium odoratum Lamk (RT), Randia dumetorum Lamk (SD) and Ruta graveolens Linn. (PL) could inhibit pregnancy in 50-60% of rats. The rest of the plants were either inactive or showed insignificant antifertility activity.