Effects of Silene apetala Aqueous Extract on Offspring Sex Ratio in Mice: A Pilot Ethnobotanical and Experimental Study

• Awatf Abadi

  Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

• Somaya Bayou

  Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

• Khulood Al-Shaibani

  Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

• Somaya Saied

  Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

• Niroz Jaloul

  Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya , Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

• Izdihar Al-Ruqai’i

  Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya

  Author

Silene apetala (locally known as "Barrama") is a plant traditionally used by Libyan women to influence the sex of their offspring; however, scientific validation of this practice remains undocumented. This study was designed to investigate the ethnobotanical basis, phytochemical composition, and potential biological effects of the whole plant aqueous extract of S. apetala on offspring sex ratio in a mouse model.  An ethnobotanical questionnaire was administered to 66 Libyan women to document traditional knowledge. Whole plants (including roots and aerial parts) were collected, authenticated, and an aqueous decoction was prepared. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard protocols. In the experimental study, eight female Swiss albino mice were evaluated using a paired design. Offspring were counted and sexed in two phases: Phase 1 (Control/Pre-treatment) and Phase 2 (Treatment with 100 mg/kg BW extract). Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s Exact Test. The survey indicated that 93.9% of participants reported positive outcomes regarding male offspring. Phytochemical screening revealed strong concentrations of flavonoids (+++) and moderate levels of cardiac glycosides (++), while saponins were notably absent (–). In the experimental study, the proportion of male offspring increased from 45.8% (22/48) in the control phase to 55.8% (29/52) in the treatment phase. Although a 10% increase was observed, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2399). These findings provide preliminary scientific support for the ethnobotanical use of S. apetala. The observed trend suggests that the plant's bioactive flavonoids and steroidal glycosides may influence reproductive outcomes, though larger-scale studies are needed to achieve statistical significance.

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