THE ROLE OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI STEM BARK ON FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Background: The medicinal plant's role is well established in folklore medicine in India. Among numerous health complications, infertility is a crucial condition that bothers modern society. The traditional practitioners are using various parts of plants to overcome infertility in women. One such plant is Syzygium cumini (stem bark), used by traditional practitioners for pro-fertility in females without the scientific literature endorsing the fact. Material and Methods: Wistar rats approximately six months age and weighing 190-210 g were used for the experimental study. The rats were treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of Syzygium cumini stem bark ethanol extract with a vehicle through oral administration. The ether anaesthesia was given on the day of sacrifice and noted the body weight. The ovaries were carefully dissected, cleaned, weighed and processed for histological studies. Results: The body and ovarian weights were slightly increased in the treated group but not statistically significant. The microscopic structure of the ovary showed a normal histo-architecture. The ovarian corpora lutea number increased and was statistically significant in the treated group when compared to control. Conclusions: So, from the present study, it can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of stem bark of Syzygium cumini brings about the pro-fertility effect on the female reproductive system in Wistar rats. KEY WORDS: Estrous cycle, Hormones, Reproductive system, Syzygium cumini.