Effects of Xylopia aethiopica Pod Extract on Reproductive Hormones in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Plants and their metabolites have been used in the treatment of various disease conditions from time immemorial. This study investigated the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of pods of Xylopia aethiopica on reproductive hormone (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone) in female Wistar rats. Thirty female wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of six animals per group, per cage (n=6). Group A served as the normal control group and was administered distilled water while group B served as positive control and was administered 5 mg of standard drug (Clomid-Clomiphene Citrate). Groups C, D and E served as the treatment group and was administered 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract of X. aethiopica respectively for seven days. Administration of drugs and extract was done via oral route. The rats were thereafter copulated with their male counterparts for 72 hours and the female rats were observed throughout their gestation and the numbers of litters produced were recorded. The hormonal assay was carried out using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Result showed a significant increase in FSH and Progesterone level (p<0.05) in treated group when compared with the control group while no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed for the luteinizing hormone in the treated groups. The work thus showed that the plant could exert a positive effect on female fertility by enhancing levels of female reproductive hormones.