Annotated Bibliography – Plant Effects on Vertebrate Animal Fertility By Kristen LaPrade Biol 862 – Ecology Seminar (Plant and Animal Interactions) de Freitas, T.G. et al. (2005) Effect of Ruta graveolens L. on pregnant mice

Historically Ruta graveolens L. has been used in many countries, including Brazil, as an abortifacient. Scientists wanted to determine its effect on pregnancy. The active ingredient in Ruta graveolens was given to mice between the first and third day of pregnancy (DOP), between the fourth and sixth DOP or between the seventh and ninth DOP. The extract did not cause preimplantation embryonic loss or reabsorptions, instead the fetus was killed.