Different preparations of Ruta graveolens were administered orally to female rats (Days 1-10 post coition) and female hamsters (Days 1-6 post coition). The powdered root (CDR), aerial parts (CDA) and the aerial parts aqueous extract (AEA) all showed potential anticonceptive activity in rats. Limited administration on selected days of CDA showed uniformly lesser activity than with 10-day treatment. Sequentially prepared petroleum ether and methanol extracts of CDA were as active as CDA itself. The benzene and chloroform extracts were toxic and inactive. Rutin, a known chemical constituent of the plant, was found to be inactive. None of the above preparations showed activity in hamsters.