Effects of Methanolic Root Extract of Holarrhena floribunda on the Lipid Profile and Sex Hormones in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to determine the effects of methanolic root extract of Holarrehna floribunda on the level of some serum sex hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and lipid profile in Wistar rats.   Materials and Methods: Twenty- four male and female Wistar rats (150-250 g body weight) were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 (control male) took normal rat chow and drinking water. Group 2 (control female) took normal rat chow and drinking water, Group 3(Male test group), was administered with 200 mg/kg of Holarrehna floribunda extract, Group 4(Female test group), was administered with 200 mg/kg of Holarrehna floribunda. The feeding regimens lasted for 5weeks. Results: The values for the lipid profile shows CHOL in Group 1 and Group 3 were 4.02±0.41 mmol/l  and 5.75±0.09 mmol/l, Group 2 and Group 4 were 3.87±0.22 mmol/l  and 5.80±0.10 mmol/l  respectively, TRIG  for Group 1 and Group 3 were 1.30±0.05 mmol/l  and 2.11±0.15 mmol/l  for Groups 2 and 4 were 1.15±0.03 mmol/l  and (2.10±0.12 mmol/l,HDL-C for Groups 1 and 3 were 30.01±0.82 mg/dL  and 39.88± 1.24mg/dL,for Groups 2 and 4 were 29.98± 0.77 mg/dL  and 38.20± 1.83 mg/dL, LDL-C for Groups 1 and 3 were 2.26±0.37 mmol/L  and 4.17±0.35 mmol/L respectively, for Groups 2 and 4 were 3.27±0.47 mmol/L  and 4.06±0.21 mmol/L  respectively, shows significant increase(p<0.05) in HDL-C (mg/dL) in Groups 1,2,3 and 4.The values obtained showed significant increase (p<0.05) in HDL-C (mg/dL) in Groups 1,2,3and 4The serum concentrations of FSH, Estradiol, LH and progesterone in the control Group 2 were 0.38 ±0.07mIU/mL, 7.83±0.35 mIU/mL, 15.50±0.15 Pg/mL and 0.86±0.03 ng/mL respectively, and in test Group 4 were 0.77±0.04mIU/mL, 8.75±0.17 mIU/mL, 21.09±0.79 Pg/Ml 0.33±0.05 ng/mL. Follicle stimulating hormone levels was significantly higher (p<0.05) in test group compared with control. While in Group 1 and 3, the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and testosterone in control Group 1 were (0.51 ±0.06) mIU/mL, (16.44±0.31) mIU/mL and (8.41±0.50) ng/mL respectively and in test Group 3 were 0.88±0.06 mIU/mL19.88±1.46mIU/mL and10.68±0.64 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The extract improves the level of sex hormones in both the male and female rats.  which could enhance reproductive functions in normal rats and those with loss of reproductive function.