Efficacy of Citrus medica seeds extracts on reproductive activities in female albino rats

Abstract

Petroleum ether, benzene and ethanol extracts of the seeds of C. medica administered orally at the dose level of 200 mg and 400 mg/kg body weight to adult female albino rats for 30 days. The estrous cycle of these rats was irregular with prolonged proestrus and estrous, reduced metestrus and diestrus phase during the experimental period. At autopsy on day 31st, petroleum ether extract treated rats showed reduced ovarian weight, benzene extract treated rats showed increased ovarian weight and ethanol extract treated rats showed non-significant change in the weight of ovary. Histological changes of the ovary indicate increases in the number of atretic follicles but decreases in the number of healthy developing follicles, Graafian follicles and corpora lutea. The total cholesterol, activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase and ascorbic acid content of the ovary are increased, whereas, protein and glycogen content were decreased. The uterine weight and its micrometric measurements in all experimental rats were increased significantly. However, petroleum ether extract of C. medica seeds was more effective in causing these changes comparing to other extracts. Based on these results the reproductive activities of C. medica seed extracts are discussed.