Effects of a recipe based on three leafy vegetables consumed in Brazzaville on the reproductive function of the wistar rat

Abstract

Spinacia oleracea, Amaranthus hybridus of the Chenopodiaceae family and Brassica campestris of the Brassicaceae family are vegetables consumed in Brazzaville for their nutritional virtues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the recipe based on these three leafy vegetables on reproductive functions. The recipe at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/Kg was administered to male and female rats. The aphrodisiac effects of the recipe in males were evaluated on the numbers of sexual mounts, erections, ejaculations, and latency time; and the estrogenic activities in females, based on the variation of the sexual cycle, the state of the vaginal meatus and the cervical mucus. On acute toxicity, the results show that the aqueous extract (EA) of the recipe does not alter the general condition and behaviour of mice, and no mortality was recorded. In male rats the 500 mg/Kg recipe extract significantly increased the number of sexual mounts, erections, and ejaculations; and decreased the latency time. In females, the 500 mg/kg dose of the extract caused blocking of the cycle in oestrus and pro-oestrus, with increased cervical mucus and vaginal opening. Estradiol levels were also increased. The flavonoids, saponosides and steroids observed in this extract could be responsible for the effects observed on the sexual parameters studied in male and female rats.