A preliminary study on the evaluation of the ameliorative effect of Mucuna pruriens on ovulation, serum gonadotropins and oxidative stress markers in STZ-induced diabetic rats

The ovary is the female gonad and it produces sex hormones that are responsible for the release of ovum during the menstrual cycle. Diabetes has been reported to have deleterious effect on the structure and function of the ovary. Mucuna pruriens is a plant that has been reported to have hyperglycemic property and rich antioxidant activities. This study was carried out to determine the effect of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens on the function of the ovary in STZ-induced diabetes. Fifteen female Sprague-Dawley rats averagely weighing 150 g were used for this study. The animals were divided into 3 groups. Extract of Mucuna pruriens was given orally for two weeks at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. Control animals received distilled water. At the end of the experiment animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood was collected for hormonal assay studies and the oviducts were excised; ova count and biochemical assay for oxidative stress markers were performed respectively. An increase in the serum levels of FSH and LH were observed in the treated groups. However, this increase was not significant. The result also showed increased antioxidant activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the experimental groups when compared with control. Furthermore, the number of ova shed at ovulation in the treated groups was comparable with the control group. In conclusion, Mucuna pruriens seed extract ameliorates the deleterious effect of diabetes mellitus on ovarian function.

Key Words: STZ; Mucuna pruriens; diabetes; antioxidants; ovulation; follicle stimulating hormone; luteinizing hormone