Evaluation of antifertility effects of short-term administration of Africa Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) on ovary of female Sprague-Dawley rats

Chrysophyllum albidum leave is one of the common folk medicinal plants used by some rural people in Nigeria. Its effects were study on sex hormones and the histology of the ovary of adult Sprague- Dawley rat. Fifteen female rats of 120-150g were used. The rats were grouped into three of five each. Group A was given distilled water, groups B and C received 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic leaf extract of C. albidum orally daily for 14 days respectively. Blood were collected for hormonal assays; the ovaries were excised and prepared histologically. A significant dose dependent (P>0.05) decreased in progesterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone and FSH levels in all the treated groups were observed. Histologically, group B ovary had primary and secondary follicles while group C had atretic follicles, arrests at different phases of follicular development and in the medulla the vessels are not well defined. The weight of the heart, spleen, kidneys and pancreas of the rats were not affected. However, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the ovarian weight and increase in the weight of the liver in the treated groups when compared to the control was observed. C. albidum could retard folliculogenesis and delay ovarian follicle maturation. It is therefore; recommended to use it with caution if there is a reproductive issues.

Key Words: Chrysophyllum albidum, antifertility, hormones, ovary, histology