Effect of Ethanol Leave Extract of Gongronema latifolium on Female Reproductive System in Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Reproductive system has infertility as a disease that affect both sex at equal frequency. A ten percent population of human reproductive age are affected with the phenomenon globally. This study investigated how ethanol crude leaves of Gongronema latifolium affect the reproductive system of female Albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard methods. The extract effect on reproductive hormones and estrous cycle were ascertained on experimental rats weighing 140-160g. Matured females; twenty-five in numbers were equally shared into five groups: The normal and positive controls were groups 1 and 2 which were administered distilled water and standard drug; On the other hand crude ethanol leaves of Gongronema latifolium were given to the last three groups in a 200, 300 and 400 in mg/body weight i.e mg/kg. Phytochemical profile revealed saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids including cardiac glycosides. Hormonal results indicated that the low dose and middle dose were decreased significantly (P = .05) in both FSH and Progesterone levels, but increased significantly (P = .05) in LH and Estradiol levels. The high dose had a significantly decreased (P = .05) FSH and LH but a significantly increased (P = .05) Progesterone and Estradiol. The study further demonstrated irregularities of estrous cycle as an effect of the ethanol crude Gongronema latifolium leaves. Also, the crude leaves might distort the process of reproduction of female Wistar rats. The secondary metabolites in Gongronema latifolium leaves could have caused these effects.