Fertility Hormones

Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, with certain ethnobotanical claims stating it promotes male virility. However, available scientific research shows mixed findings about its implications on male reproductive health, with some research revealing testicular injury and hormonal imbalance. Ocimum gratissimum is traditionally used to promote male vitality, although research information on its reproductive safety is inconsistent. This study studied the effects of a 500 mg/kg aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum on fertility hormones and testicular function in adult male Wistar rats for 28 days. Serum Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and testosterone were evaluated, with sperm count, motility, and morphology. The findings showed that while testosterone levels were normal, the extract caused a condition of compensated primary testicular dysfunction, as shown by significantly raised blood LH and FSH (p<0.05). A considerable decrease in the overall number of sperm was linked to this hormonal imbalance, suggesting compromised spermatogenesis. Ironically, by boosting motility and lowering the proportion of morphological defects, the extract also markedly enhanced sperm quality. These results point to a dualistic, site-specific action: the extract is gonadotoxic in the testes but may have a posttesticular, cytoprotective, antioxidant impact in the epididymis. Since the quantitative decrease in sperm production and hormonal indicators of testicular failure outweigh the qualitative gains, the overall effect at this dosage appears to be harmful to male fertility. These findings call into question the plant's conventional application as a fertility booster and call for care.

Infertility remains a major reproductive health concern, often influenced by hormonal imbalance and impaired uterine morphology. The present study evaluated the modulatory effects of Jatropha tanjorensis on fertility hormones and uterine structure in Ocimum gratissimum treated female Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult female Wistar rats weighing 130–160g were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as control and received Food and water; Group II received Ocimum gratissimum extract (500 mg/kg); Group III received Jatropha tanjorensis extract (500 mg/kg); Group IV received a combined extract of both plants (500 mg/kg each); and Group V served as a Proginova-treated or recovery group. Extracts were administered orally for twenty-eight (28) days. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay, and ovarian and uterine tissues were excised for histological evaluation.The results revealed that administration of O. gratissimum and J. tanjorensis significantly increased serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (p < 0.05), whereas estrogen and progesterone levels decreased across treatment groups when compared with control. Co-administration of both extracts produced an intermediate hormonal profile, suggesting partial modulation of the antifertility effects induced by O. gratissimum. Prolactin and testosterone levels were elevated, indicating possible disruption of steroidogenic enzyme activity. Histological examination of the uterus showed reduced endometrial thickness and mild stromal vacuolation in treated groups, consistent with hormonal findings.In conclusion, Jatropha tanjorensis and Ocimum gratissimum significantly influenced female reproductive hormones and uterine morphology. The combined administration resulted in moderated but persistent endocrine alterations, implying complex phytochemical interactions. These findings suggest that chronic or unregulated use of these plants for fertility enhancement may pose reproductive risks. Further molecular and mechanistic studies are recommended to elucidate their exact hormonal pathways.