The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2022;11(1):1-6 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2022.11101

Research Article

Estrogenic effects of the seeds and stem bark extracts of Ricinodendron heudelotii in adult ovariectomized Wistar albino rats

Bleu Gome Michel¹ , Kpahe Ziehi Fidele¹ , Tovi Wahon Marie-Odile² , Kouakou koffi² , Traore Flavien³

Bleu Gome Michel,Kpahe Ziehi Fidele,Tovi Wahon Marie-Odile,Kouakou koffi,Traore Flavien

1. Laboratory of Biodiversity and Tropical Ecology, Department of Biodiversity and Sustainable Ecosystem Management, Environment Training and Research Unit, Jean Lorougnon Guede University, Daloa, Ivory Coast
2. Laboratory of Biology and Health, endocrinology and reproductive biology educational and research unit, Bioscience’s training and research unit, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
3. Laboratory of Biology and Health, animal physiology educational and research unit, Bioscience’s training and research unit, Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 18th October, 2021 / Accepted: 6th December, 2021

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a major public health problem in Africa. Most herbal remedies used for the treatment of women infertility are known to be estrogenic. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the estrogenic effects of the aqueous extracts of Ricinodendron heudelotii seeds and stem bark in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Adult ovariectomized rats were divided in groups of five animals and treated orally for seven consecutive days with both the seeds extract (SERH) and the bark extract (BERH) at 100 and 300 mg/kg and with Ethinylestradiol (0.02 mg/kg). The control group received distilled water. After treatments, vaginal smears were performed from the rats. Then the uterus, cervix and adrenal glands were weighted and the uterus stored in formalin 10% for histological analysis. Results: Ethinylestradiol as well as SERH at 100 mg/kg induced vaginal cornification and highly significant increase of the relative weight of the uterus and cervix in comparison to controls. SERH at 300 mg/kg and BERH at 100 and 300 mg/kg also induced significantly an increase of the relative weight of these organs. In addition, the adrenal glands relative weight was significantly augmented by SERH and BERH treatment. The histological examination of uterus showed the proliferation of the endometrium cells and development of numerous uterine glands in rats treated with Ethinylestradiol and the extracts at 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: R. heudelotii was found to show estrogenic effects on vagina, uterus, cervix and adrenal glands and the seeds extract exhibited greater estrogenic activities than the bark extract.