Author/Authors :
Yakubu، Musa Toyin نويسنده Phytomedicine, Toxicology, and Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. , , Akanji، Musbau Adewumi نويسنده Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. , , Oladiji ، Adenike Temidayo نويسنده Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. , , Olatinwo، AbdulWaheed Olajide نويسنده Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria , , Adesokan، Abdulfatai Ayoade نويسنده Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. , , Yakubu، Monsurat Oyenike نويسنده Department of Nursing Services, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Maternity Wing, Ilorin, Nigeria. , , Owoyele، Bamidele Victor نويسنده Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. , , Sunmonu، Taofik Olatunde نويسنده Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. , , Ajao، Moyosore Salihu نويسنده Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. ,
Abstract :
Background: The increase in the rate of infertility in women has prompted the need to
search for plants with antifertility potentials.
Objective: The effect of administration of aqueous extract of Cnidoscolous
aconitifolius leaves for seven days on reproductive hormones of female Wistar rats was
investigated.
Materials and Methods: Sixty female albino rats were grouped into four (A, B, C and
D) of 15 each. Group A (the control) received orally 6.5 ml kg-1 body weight of distilled
water on daily basis for 7 days. Groups B, C and D were treated like the control except
that they received 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 body weight of the extract.
Results: Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids,
saponins, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, phlobatannins and triterpenes.
Administration of the extract produced significant increase (p < 0.05) in the serum
prolactin concentration whereas those of estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating and
luteinizing hormones were significantly reduced.
Conclusion: The alterations in the female rat reproductive hormones by the extract are
indications of adverse effect on the maturation and ovulation of follicles. Consequently,
the extract may impair fertility and conception in female rats. Thus, the Cnidoscolous
aconitifolius leaf extract may be explored as a female contraceptive.
