Abstract
Background: The estrous cycle is a set of recurring physiological changes induced by reproductive hormones in female animals. This study investigated the potential modulatory effects of the hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthii on the female reproductive cycle using Wistar rats as experimental models.
Methods: A total of 20 female Wistar rats weighing 100–250g were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each and treated as follows: Group A: Negative control (received extract vehicle). Groups B, C, and D: received 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively. Vaginal smears were collected daily from each rat between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. for four weeks (two weeks before treatment and two weeks during treatment).
Results: Administration of graded doses (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg body weight) of the hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthii caused a significant reduction in the durations of proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus phases in Groups B, C, and D compared with the control group (Group A) (p < 0.05). This suggests that the extract enhances fertility. The extract apparently caused a pro-fertility effect by shortening the reproductive cycle length in the treated rats.
Conclusion: These findings therefore provide scientific validation for the traditional use of this plant in folklore medicine for fertility-related purposes in our environment.
Keywords: Craterispermum schweinfurthi; Diestrus; Metestrus; Oestrus; Proestrus
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