International
Journal of Herbs and Pharmacological Research IJHPR,
2013, 2(4): 48 – 53.
www.arpjournals.com
RESEARCH
PAPER:
XYLOPIA
AETHIOPICA LOWERS PLASMA LIPID PRECURSORS OF REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES IN WISTAR
RATS
1Onyebuagu P.C., 2Aloamaka C.P. 2Igweh J.C.
Department
of 1Human Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta
University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria; 2Human
Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka,
Nigeria.
Correspondence: peteronyebuagu@gmail.com
Received: 3rd September,
2013 Accepted: 24th October, 2013 Published: 31st October, 2013
ABSTRACT
This
study investigated the effects of dietary Xylopia aethiopica on
reproductive hormones and plasma lipids in rats. 10 male and 10 female Wistar
rats weighing 200-220g and 120-150g respectively, and subdivided into two respective
groups of 5 rats each (M1 and F1 as control; M2 and F2 as test), were used for
this study. For 21 days, the control rats received normal feed and clean water ad
libitum, while test rats received 50g/kg of feed diet. Blood was collected
from the rats and used to determine the reproductive hormone profile and plasma
lipids concentration. Hormonal analyses were performed by the ELISA method,
while lipid analyses were done using enzymatic saponification for total
cholesterol, and enzymatic hydrolysis by lipases for the triglyceride. Results
showed that there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in plasma testosterone
concentration (2.70±0.82ng/ml) of the treated male rats. The plasma
concentrations of estradiol (13.80±2.84pg/ml) and progesterone (2.85±0.64ng/ml)
in the treated females were also significantly reduced. Lipid analyses showed
significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol in the treated male rats
(1.20±0.63mmol/l) and female rats (1.75±0.55mmol/l). Our results suggest that
dietary Xylopia aethiopica can induce a reduction in plasma levels of
steroid reproductive hormones, possibly through reduction in plasma
cholesterol.
Keywords:
Xylopia aethiopica, reproductive hormones, plasma lipids.
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INTRODUCTION
The
dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica is a common spice known for its
strong aromatic quality, and used in the preparation of two special local soups
in south-eastern Nigeria, called “isi ewu” and “obe nta”. Xylopia aethiopica
is also used as a postpartum tonic in alleviating after–birth wounds and as
lactation aid (Murray, 1995). Others include usage in the termination of
unwanted pregnancy (due to its abortifacient properties), when administered in combination
with the root of Blighia sapida (Sapindaceae) (Muanya, 2008), and to increase
menstrual flow, when administered in combination with the leaves of Newbouldia
laevis (Bignoniaceae) or chieftaincy leaf, as well as the induction of labour
to achieve delivery, when seven dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and 21
leaves of Rouwulfia vomitaria are orally administered in combination (Muanya,
2011).
However,
several researchers have reported that the intake of Xylopia aethiopica causes
diminished reproductive performance in experimental animals, with decreases in
litter size in females (Nwafor, 2013), and reduction in sperm count in males
(Onyebuagu, 2012; Nwafor, 2013). Histological studies of the gonads in the rats
have also demonstrated changes in the testicular and ovarian architecture in
male and female rats, respectively, following the intake of Xylopia
aethiopica. This study was therefore, embarked on to assess the effects of
dietary Xylopia aethiopica on the reproductive hormone profile of the
rats, since reproduction is largely governed by the hormonal milieu, among
other factors.
ASN-PH-020919
ISSN:
2315-537X
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