Reproductive Effects of Hydromethanolic Leaf Extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Euphorbiacea) in Streptozotocin Induced-diabetic Rats

Introduction: The potency of plants is largely due to the presence of phytochemicals contain in them. Plant-derived chemicals influence endocrine activities in animals and humans have received affluent attention due to their possible adverse effects or benefits, especially on sex hormones.

Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on sex hormones in streptozotocin induced-diabetic wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) wistar rats with an average weight of 230 grams, were randomly assigned into five groups of 6 (six) animals each. Group 1: served as negative control (non-diabetic) and received normal animal chow and water ad libitum, group 2: served as positive control group and received 10 mg/kg bw of glibenclamide, groups 3, 4 and 5 served as experimental group and received 100 mg/kg bw, 150 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg body weight of C.A orally for 28 days after being induced with diabetics using streptozotocin.

Results: Phytochemical screening of extract revealed the presence of a highly abundant level of alkaloids and flavonoids, with moderate levels of tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, free anthraquinones, combined anthraquinones, terpenes, cardiac glycoside and cyanogenetic glycoside. Administration of the extract of C.A shows significant (P<0.05) decrease in LH, testosterone, estradiol, whereas that of serum prolactin concentration was significantly increased.

Conclusion: The biologically active phytochemicals in the hydromethamelic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius may disrupt the endocrine system, thus inducing hormonal imbalance or disorders in hormone deponent organ, infertility and contraception. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius might be a promising contraceptive agent and an excellent alternative natural remedy in reproductive and gynaecological studies.