Contraceptive Potential of Methanol Leaf Extract of Ananas comosus In Female Wistar Rats

Johnson EI; Ekanem AU; Bassey E; Nwafor P

doi:10.61386/imj.v18i2.674

Authors

Johnson EI Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Ekanem AU Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Bassey E Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Nwafor P Department of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Rivers State University, Rivers State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v18i2.674

Keywords:

Ananas comosus leaf, ovary, oestrus cycle, contraceptive, pregnancy, ovulation

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, Ananas comosus leaf is used locally to prevent pregnancy among the indians.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Ananas comosus methanol leaf extract on oestrus cycle and ovulation.

Study Design: The study was conducted using 20 mature female rats with regular oestrus cycle. The three experimental groups of 5 animals each received a stat dose of 485.5mg/kg, 970 mg/kg and 1455.5 mg/kg body weight respectively while the control group received 1ml of normal saline. Doses were gotten from LD50. All administrations were done intraperitoneally at proestrus and vaginal smear were examined for 8 days to investigate the effects of the extract on oestrus cycle and ovulation.

Result: Ovulation was prevented, oestrus cycle disrupted with prolongation of the dioestrus phases and number of mature follicles reduced on ovary histology.

Conclusion: The study showed that Ananas comosus methanol leaf extract prevented ovulation from occurring and caused irregularity of the oestrus cycle with the disruption of fertility hormones.