Fertility control impact of the aerial parts Ferula tingitana L. via alteration of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis responses of female Wistar rats

Abstract

Ferula tingitana L. has been reported for abortive and\or menstruation inducing properties. However, its contraceptive effect has never been deliberately evaluated. Furthermore, no inclusive chemical profiling of its extract was recorded. Many Ferula species were known for their effects on the oestrogenic rhythm. During our drug discovery from natural sources F. tingitana L. growing in Libya was selected for evaluation of its contraceptive effect. To evaluate the hormonal effects and bioactive molecules of F.tingitana ethanol extract of aerial parts (EtOH) using in vivo experimental model. Adult female albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups (n=6). One group received distilled water for 14days, 2nd ,3rd and 4th groups received orally the tested extract at a daily dose of 100, 200 and 300 mgkg-1 b.wt. for 14 days, respectively. The administration lasted for 14 days (2 weeks) at 9 A.M. Rats body and uterus weight were measured. They fasted overnight and then anaesthetized through a diethylether exposure and blood samples were collected through the ocular puncture. Blood was centrifuged to obtain clear sera for hormonal assay. The serum was subjected by ELISA method for assessment of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), estradiol(E2)and progesterone (P4) levels. Biochemical estimations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerlide(TG) and glucose(Glu) level were measured. GC/MS of the lipoidal profile along with HPLC analysis of the phenolic contents were carried out. EtOH and its successive soluble fractions were subjected for chromatographic analysis. The results displayed significant decrease in levels of FSH, LH, E2 and P4 of adult female Wistar rats. Significant decline in biochemical serum level of TC, TG and Glu were observed. Sesquiterpene daucol, linolenic acid, caffeic acid and hesperidin were the main identified phytoconstituents. CC of EtOH afforded 5 compounds were identified as β-sitosterol 1, colladonin 2, scopoletin 3, caffeic acid 4, 1-(3,4-dihydroxycinnamoyl) cyclopentane-2`,3`-diol 5. It was concluded that sesquiterpene coumarins as the significant phytoconstituents of EtOH may revealing adverse effect on the menstruation, ovulation of follicles and consequently may impair fertility. EtOH evidenced a hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects.