FEMALE WISTAR RATS

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.

Annona muricata (soursop) is commonly used in traditional medicine, necessitating toxicological evaluation. This study evaluated the safety profile, phytochemical constituents, and physiological effects of the ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata in adult female Wistar rats after administering doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg for 28 days. Phytochemical screening confirmed a rich composition of carbohydrates, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, and steroids/triterpenes, with a notable absence of saponins and cyanogenic glycosides. Hematological analysis demonstrated overall safety of red cell indices, but revealed a reduction in WBC count at 100mg/kg (p<0.05), suggesting immune modulation that was histologically corroborated by lymphoid activation. Biochemically, the extract conferred significant hepatoprotection, evidenced by a marked reduction in AST and ALT at 200mg/kg. In addition, the extract exhibited hypolipidemic effect, with optimal reductions in Total Cholesterol and LDL observed exclusively at 100mg/kg. The primary cautionary finding was a functional elevation of Creatinine at 200mg/kg (p<0.05), though this occurred without structural renal damage.