Ovarian atrophy and hormonal perturbation in the pituitary-gonadal axis; Centella asiatica as an antifertility agent

Abstract

Phytomedicine has been of interest in recent times. According to WHO, the prevalence of medicinal plant remedies is higher in developing countries, with about 65%-80% of the population using such products. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) commonly known as "Gotu kola" is predominantly found in the tropic and subtropical regions of the world. This study aims to investigate the antifertility effect of ethanol extract of C. asiatica leaves in the ovary in Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult female Wistar rats of a regular estrous cycle were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into four groups of eight animals each (n=8). The control was group A, while treated groups B, C, and D received 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 28 days. At the end of the administration period, half of the animals were mated to ascertain their fertility output. Others were sacrificed, and the blood and organs (ovary and pituitary) were harvested. The blood was used for hormonal analysis. Biochemical analysis for oxidative stress was conducted as well as histological tissue processing. Formalin-fixed tissues were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining techniques. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS and the results were statistically significant at p < 0.05. A significant decrease in body weight and ovarian weight (D) was observed. There was a substantial increase in MDA(Malondialdehyde) and a decrease in Catalase (Catalase) and SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) (D). Hormonal results revealed a significant decrease in LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and Progesterone in all treated groups. Conversely, there was a significant increase in FSH, Testosterone, and Testosterone/Estradiol (C and D) while Prolactin displayed a significant decrease (D). There was a significant decrease in the litter size in all treated groups. Histologically, the adenohypophysis showed hyperplasia of the basophil cells in all treated groups. The ovaries showed reduced folliculogenesis, lutea atresia, and petechial hemorrhage in all treated groups.