Effect of methanolic extract of <i>Uvaria chamae</i> and <i>Cassytha filiformis</i> on reproductive hormones of female albino rats

Abstract

The high cost of treating infertility and its associated risk prompted the need to search for a plant with fertility potentials. The effect of sub -acute (28) administration of methanolic extracts of of Uvaria chamae and Cassytha filiformis on reproductive hormones of female albino rat was investigated. A total of fourty (40) rats were used for the experiment and divided into four groups: positive and negative control groups, with two other experimental groups. The control groups receive five animals each, whereas the other two experimental groups received 15 rats each. Fifteen female albino rats were used for each of the extract in this study. Each of these group of fifteen were further divided into three sub groups; A, B and C of five rats each. Each sub group were administered plant extracts orally by means of calibrated syringe at a daily dose of 125 mg/kg for group (A), 250 mg/kg for group (B) and 500 mg/kg for group (C) for 28 days. The negative control group were given water ad libitum and those in the positive control group were given clomiphene citrate at 10 mg/kg. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of the estrogen, follicule stimulating hormones (FSH) Luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoid, reducing sugar, saponin, tannins, and terpenoid for Cassytha filiformis. The same are also present in Uvaria chamae in addition to steroid, with the exception of flavonoid. It was found that the extract of C. filiformis produced significant increase in estrogen and progesterone level (p< 0.05), but has no significant effect on the follicle stimulating hormone, and the luteinizing hormone whereas the U. chamae extract generally increased the progesterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone significantly (p< 0.05). The increase in the level of reproductive hormones occasioned by the administration of these plant extracts indicates their potential in the enhancement of fertility.