Effect of methanolic extract of Spondias mombin on oestrous cycle, conception rate and gestation in rabbits

Abstract

Effect of Spondias mombin (SM) on oestrous cycle, conception and pregnancy was evaluated in 25 sexually mature Chinchilla rabbit does (Mean weight: 1.94 ± 1.06kg). In phase one, fifteen rabbits were synchronized with FSH (2 mg/kg i.m.) 12 hourly for three days. They were randomly assigned into three groups of five rabbits each. Group 1 and 2 received 1ml saline solution and 800mg/kg of methanolic extract of SM (meSM) orally for thirty days respectively. Group 3 received a single treatment of melengesterol acetate (MGA; 50mg/kg i.m.). Blood was obtained from the jugular vein at ten days interval for thirty days to determine plasma concentration of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone. Thereafter, the does were mated and laparotomised was carried out one week after to determine the number of embryonal sacs. In phase two, ten does were mated and ultrasonographically confirmed to be pregnant seven days post-mating. They were treated with 800mg/kg meSM orally at ten and twenty days post-mating. The does were observed daily until they kidded or aborted. Data obtained were analysed using student’s T-test and ANOVA, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Mean values of LH and Progesterone significantly decreased in Group 3 and 2 compared to control group while FSH was lower significantly in Group 3 compared to other groups. The effect of meSM on oestrous cycle was not so obvious in this study. Administration of meSM 10 days post-mating caused abortion in only one doe and caused no abortion at 20 days post-mating. It was concluded that meSM did not adversely affect reproductive cyclicity and pregnancy but has potential to cause abortion during early pregnancy in Chinchilla rabbits. Further studies where hormonal assays are done more frequently than this study to be able to determine the effect of meSM on oestrous cycle are suggested.