Estrogenic and Reproductive Effects of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyx Aqueous Extract in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

As part of this study, we evaluated the effect of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyxes on the fertility of female rats. The objective was to explore the estrogenic effect of this plant on Rattus norvegicus. Fifteen rats, selected for their regular cycle, were divided into three groups of five and received either distilled water or doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract, administered daily by gavage for 30 days. The results highlighted significant changes in the estrous cycle, including a lengthening of the estrous phase and a reduction in the diestrus phase, with the effect being more pronounced at the 250 mg/kg of bw dose. Histological analysis of the ovaries of the rats revealed that the extract did not cause any damage to these organs. The ovaries of the treated rats showed an increased number of follicles at various stages of maturation as well as corpus luteum compared to the control rats. Furthermore, examination of uterine horn sections showed that after treatment with 250 mg/kg bw, there was an average increase in uterine lumen diameter, endometrial thickness, and average uterine gland development compared to control rats.