Effect of Hippocratea africana Root Bark Extract on the Pituitary-Gonadal Hormones of Female Wistar Rats

International Journal of Medical Science

© 2017 by SSRG - IJMS Journal

Volume 4 Issue 6

Year of Publication : 2017

Authors : Ndem, Jessie Idongesit, Bassey and Eno-Obong Ikpeme

10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V4I6P101

How to Cite?

Ndem, Jessie Idongesit, Bassey and Eno-Obong Ikpeme, "Effect of Hippocratea africana Root Bark Extract on the Pituitary-Gonadal Hormones of Female Wistar Rats," SSRG International Journal of Medical Science, vol. 4,  no. 6, pp. 1-7, 2017. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V4I6P101

Abstract:

The problem of drug- induced reproductive failure termed infertility necessitated this study on the effect of Hippocratea africana (HA) root bark extract used traditionally in the treatment of malaria in the South- Eastern part of Nigeria on the pituitary-gonadal hormones. Twenty-four sexually matured female rats of Wistar strain weighing between 100 - 190g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each and allowed to acclimatize for one week. They were fed standard grower mash and water was allowed ad libitum. Group 1 (control) were administered 1ml of distilled water. Groups II, III and IV (test groups) were administered 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight of HA root bark extract respectively for fourteen days orally using a cannula. There was a dose dependent increase concentration that was not significant (P>0.05) compared with the control for Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Prolactin recorded a dose dependent non-significant (P>0.05) decrease concentration between test groups II and III and a non-significant (P>0.05) increase in test group IV compared with the control. There was a non-dose dependent increase in the concentrations of Estradiol and Progesterone for all test groups, with statistical significance (P<0.05) recorded in group IV compared with the control. The ovaries of all the test groups did not show any pathological condition. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in ovary weight of test groups III and IV compared with the control but the ovaries weight as percentage body weight for all the test groups animals were not significant (P>0.05) compared with the control. The result showed that Hippocreatea africana root bark extract boosted the pituitary gland to produce the necessary reproductive hormones. It can therefore be concluded that there was no negative distortion of the pituitary gonadal hormones suggesting a nourishing effect of the herb on the endocrine system. The intact reproductive tissues in all the test groups’ ovaries also suggest that the herb did not induce any oxidative stress on the ovaries. This may be due to the rich phytochemical present in the herb. A worrisome observed increase concentration of prolactin at higher dose though not significant raises a concern that very high concentration may regulate the oestrus cycle, conception and reproduction. Its use therefore as antiplasmodial agent is advised but with caution.

Keywords:

 Malaria, Hippocratea africana Root Bark, Pituitary-Gonadal Hormones, Fertility.

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