The impact of administration of Annona muricata leaf on estrogen and progesterone functions following mercury-induced toxicity in adult female Wistar rats

Abstract

Environmental toxicants have been linked to female reproductive dysfunction resulting from oxidative stress. The study assesses the impact of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata (EAM) on ovarian and uterine function following mercury-induced toxicity in female Wistar rats. The study involved 40 female Wistar rats, each weighing 114–156g, divided into eight groups of five animals each. Group A received feed and water only; group B received 500 mg/kg of EAM only; and group C received 25 mg/kg of mercury chloride (HgCl2). Groups D and E received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks and were treated with 25 mg/kg of HgCl2, respectively. Group F received 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks and treated immediately with co-administrstion of 25 mg/kg of HgCl2 and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks. Groups G and H received 25 mg/kg of HgCl2 and received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks, respectively. Progesterone amd Estrogen levels were measured at the end of the administration. The data was analysed using SPSS version 25, with inferential statistics performed, and significant values were set at p≤0.05. Administration of mercury resulted in a decreased level of oestrogen, and progesterone. EAM treatments resulted in statistically significant increased levels of progesteron in groups E, F, G and H; group D also showed an increase, though not statistically significant. Estrogen levels were increased in groups F, G and H, but groups D and E showed a decrease in estrogen levels, though not statistically significant. The study reveals that EAM enhances female reproductive hormonal levels and may turn out into a potential capable of reversing or preventing female infertility linked to mercury chloride toxicity.