Comparative effects of the crude methanol/methylene chloride extract and fractions of Senecio biafrae (Oliv. & Hiern) J. Moore on some fertility parameters in immature female Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo assay the comparative effect of Senecio biafrae leaves and stems methanol/methylene chloride extract as well as its hexane, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions on reproductive function of immature female rat.MethodsVarious doses of the methanol/methylene chloride extract and fractions were orally administered for 20 consecutive days to immature female rats. The parameters of the rats such as body, ovarian and uterus weight, uterine, ovarian and serum proteins, ovarian cholesterol as well as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and progesterone levels were recorded.ResultsLevels of ovarian cholesterol and protein as well as uterine protein were doubled principally in animals treated with the ethyl acetate fraction not matter what dose was administered. The animals treated with crude extract presented a significant increase (P < 0.05) of 108%, 79% and 135% in serum estradiol level at the dose of 8 mg/kg, 32 mg/kg and 64 mg/kg respectively.ConclusionsResults of the present study provide evidence on the inducing effect of the methanol/methylene chloride extract of S. biafrae and its fractions on immature female rat's fertility parameters in serum, ovary and uterus.