Evaluation of the Estrogenic Activity of Ficus umbellata Aqueous Extract Using a Rabbit Vaginal Cytological Model

Abstract

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, infertility is a significant issue affecting 15-30% of couples. Traditional medicines may offer an alternative, affordable treatment option, as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are often inaccessible. Ficus umbellata is a plant species traditionally used to treat infertility, but its effects on the reproductive system are not well understood. Aims: To evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of Ficus umbellata on the stimulation and ovulation in rabbits. Study Design: Experimental design. Place and Duration of the Study: Laboratory of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetics, Biochemistry Laboratory of the Medical Sciences, Unit of Medical Sciences of Abidjan and Laboratory of Biological Sciences, Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, between January to June 2025. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract of Ficus umbellata was obtained from fresh figs that were crushed and then dried to produce a powder. The animals consisted of 12 weaned New Zealand rabbits weighing between 1,8 and 2,5 kg. They were treated according to the Helsinki 2024 protocol. They were divided into four groups of three animals each. Groups III and IV were treated with Ficus umbellata at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg/day of body weight, respectively. Group II was treated with clomiphene citrate (50 mg/kg/day). The animals were force-fed using a rat cannula adapted to a section of IV tubing. Group I received distilled water. Analyses were performed, such as blood estradiol testing, vaginal smears to determine estrogen index (IO), and histological sections of the vagina. Results: Administration of the treatment concentrations did not show any changes in histomorphological parameters. A weight gain of 2,06 ± 1,6 kg has been observed with animals treated with 300 mg/kg/day. A non-significant increase in blood oestrogen concentrations. However, the treated groups had retained OIs above 60% (group II=63,3%, group III=83%, group IV=77,3%). Then, estrus has been induced in the groups of rabbits that received clomiphene citrate and Ficus umbellata. Conclusion: These results confirm that the aqueous extract of Ficus umbellata figs has follicle- stimulating activity.