Effects of trigonella foenum-graecum L.(Fenugreek) seeds aqueous extract on reproductive system of female rats

• Main Authors: Mohamed Karim, Norbaiyah, Allow, Ahmed Kaid Naji, Al-Ani, Imad Matloub Dally, Mohd Hassan, Norazian
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: QM Human anatomy
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/38060/2/Fenugreek_Poster_PPSIC_2014.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/38060/5/Prograam_book.jpg; http://irep.iium.edu.my/38060/6/Fenugreek.jpg; http://irep.iium.edu.my/38060/; http://www.msppscientificmeetings.com/

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fenugreek seeds aqueous (FSA) extract on fertility of female rats by assessing estrous cycles, determining serum reproductive hormone concentrations and observing their ovarian tissue histology as well as determining the reversibility of these effects once the treatment was withdrawn. Twenty four 8-week-old Sprague Dawley female rats with normal estrous cycle were divided into three groups (A, B and C ). Group A (control group) were treated with distilled water as vehicle. Groups B and C (treatment group) were administered orally with 500 mg/kg body weight of FSA extract for 15 days. Daily vaginal smear cytology was examined. Blood samples were taken on day 16 for evaluation of the reproductive hormones assay. Ovaries of the animals were removed for histological study. Group C (reversible group) were observed further for 15 days for reversibility. The duration of days of proestrus in treatment group were significantly prolonged (P<0.001)and the diestrus phase was significantly shortened (P<0.001). Administration of 500 mg/kg FSA extract led to a decrease in the serum concentration of estrogen (P<0.001), progesterone (P=0.021), FSH (P=0.416) and LH (P=0.381) while serum prolactin concentration was significantly higher (P<0.001). More degenerative follicles and congested blood vessel were observed in the treated group versus normal controls. After 15 days of treatment withdrawal, serum estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH concentration were not significantly different (P>0.192) in compare to the control group. The estrous cycles slowly returned to normal cycle after 10-15 days of withdrawal and no histopathological findings were noted in the ovarian tissues. FSA extract showed reversible anti fertility effects by causing abnormalities in the estrous cycles regulation, alterations in concentration of reproductive hormones and histopathological changes in the ovarian tissues.