Abortifacient activity in leaves, roots and seeds of Phytolacca acinosa

Fresh leaves, roots and seeds of Phytolacca acinosa were individually extracted with 0.9% saline and cold acetone was added to the supernatants. The resultant precipitates were dialyzed against distilled water and lyophilized to form acetone powders (AP). The relative potencies of abortifacient activity of the APs were: seed greater than root greater than leaf. The abortifacient activity in these APs was susceptible to destruction by heat and pepsin.