Effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aidan Fruit) on Uterine Weight and Reproductive Hormones in Postpartum Wistar Rats

Abstract

Tetrapleura Tetraptera (TTE), commonly known as Aidan is a medicinal and nutritional plant distributed in the lowland forests of tropical. Despite its traditional usage to enhance breast milk production and support uterine recovery after delivery, its effect on a postpartum uterus weight and female reproductive hormones is scantly investigated. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effects of Tetrapleura tetraptera extract on the female reproductive hormones and uterus of the postpartum Wistar rats. This study adopted an experimental study design. 25 female wistar rats and 8 male rats weighing 180-200g and 190-230g respectively were used for the study. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (A, B, C, D and E). Group A is made up of 5 female rats only while groups B, C D and E had 7 rats each (5 females and 2 males). Pregnancy confirmed that mating was successful. Group A is Virgin control, Group B is postpartum control while Groups C, D, and E are the treatment groups administered Aidan fruit extract for 7, 14 and 21 days respectively and subsequently sacrificed after delivery. Hormone (FSH, Estrogen and Progesterone) assay was done using the ELISA method, and statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA at 95% confidence interval and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study observed that the extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera increased uterine weight and caused a mild, short-lasting reduction in serum estrogen, with no significant effect on FSH and progesterone. These preliminary findings suggest possible modulatory effects on reproductive hormones, but further studies, including fertility outcome assessments, are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.