Antiprogesteronic and estrogenic effect of Mangifera indica in female rabbits.
Ngokere A. A., Ezeofor C. P., Okoye J. O., Ibekailo S. N., Ude T., Awalu C. J., Amadi M. S.
Author Affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, P.M.B. 5001, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 9 : 82-89
Abstract : Preparations from M. indica are commonly used for herbal concoctions. This study aimed at investigating the effect of methanol extract of M. indica on female sex hormones and ovary in Chinchilla rabbits with the view to finding its pharmacodynamics. A total of 24 female Chinchilla rabbits aged 10 to 14 weeks was used for this study. The experimental groups designated group A (control), B, C and D. Group A, B, C and D were orally administered the doses of 00, 500, 1000 and 1,500 mg kg-1 body weight of the methanol M. indica extract, respectively. Serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were estimated using the microplate enzyme immunoassay method. Result showed significant increase in the serum concentration of estradiol in a dose dependent manner (p0.05) while insignificant increase and insignificant decreases in progesterone were observed in group B and treated groups C and D (p>0.05), respectively when compared with the control group. Significant increase in weight gain and significant decreases in weight gain were observed in group B and treated groups C and D (p0.05), respectively when compared with control group. Insignificant decreases in the relative weight of the ovary were observed in the treated groups B and C (p>0.05) while significant decrease was also observed in the ovaries of treated group D (p0.05) when compared with the control group. Microscopy revealed cystic spaces and oedema in the ovary of group D - a dose dependent effect. Hence, M. indica has the potential to affect serum concentration of female sex hormones.