Abstract
SUMMARY: Polygonum hydropiper, administered as dry, powdered whole plant, impaired the fertility of male and female mice and produced sterility in female guinea-pigs when included in the normal diet at levels calculated to give an intake of 1 g/mouse, and 9 g/guinea-pig/day. These effects were temporary. P. hydropiper precipitated vaginal opening in immature mice within 5 days of the start of feeding and inhibited the normal cyclic occurrence of oestrus. No evidence of oestrogenic or androgenic activity was obtained, and it is suggested that P. hydropiper affects the gonadotrophic function of the pituitary.

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