The Therapeutic Effect of Picralima nitida Aqueous Fruit Extract on Hormonal Markers of Infertility in Adult Female Albino Rats
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Abstract
Hormonal imbalance remains a leading cause of infertility, especially in low-income countries. Reproductive health is a comprehensive concept that encompasses the entire well-being of individuals in relation to all aspects of the reproductive system at all stages of life. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and effect of P. nitida aqueous fruit extract on reproductive hormones in female albino rats and compared it with the contraceptive Levonorgestrel/Ethinylestradiol (Levofem®). Twenty (20) adult female albino rats were divided into five (5) groups: Control, P. nitida extract at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg and LNG/EE 0.005 mg/kg, for twenty-eight (28) days. Phytochemicals were quantified spectrophotometrically and via HPLC. Serum estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were assayed by Fluorescence Immunoassay. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05. Saponins (0.695 mg/g) and glycosides (0.509 mg/g) were the most abundant phytochemicals. HPLC revealed ferulic acid (146.43 mg/L), salicylic acid (84.16 mg/L), and saponins (75.13 mg/L) as the most abundant bioactive compounds. The extract caused significant, dose-dependent changes in hormone levels. At 300 mg/kg, prolactin decreased significantly compared to control, while progesterone and estradiol increased, showing effects distinct from LNG/EE which suppressed progesterone. P. nitida aqueous fruit extract exhibited a fertility-supportive hormonal profile by reducing prolactin and enhancing progesterone and estradiol levels. This suggests the plant’s extract has potential for managing infertility-related hormonal imbalance.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tamunoibigbariya Kellyiyi Ibama, Moses Zira Zaruwa, Ann Ukamaka Ijeomah, Muhammad Bawa Yusuf, Ene Etim Okon (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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