Milicia Excelsa Research Articles

Anti-amnesic and Cognitive Enhancing Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Milicia Excelsa (Moraceae) in Mice

Objective: We investigated the anti-amnesic and cognitive enhancing effects of the ethanol leaf extract of Milicia excelsa in mice. Methodology: Amnesia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine (0.4mg/kg) in Morris Water Maze; scopolamine (1mg/kg) on Y-maze test; scopolamine (0.4mg/kg) and diazepam (1mg/kg) on elevated plus maze. The effect of the extract on learning and memory of young and aged mice was also investigated on the elevated plus maze. The probable mechanism of cognitive enhancing effects of the extract was investigated using acetylcholinesterase enzyme and nitric oxide assays. Results: The extract significantly (p<0.05) attenuated amnesia induced by scopolamine in Morris water maze; reversed amnesia induced by scopolamine and diazepam on elevated plus maze; increased spontaneous alternation behaviour without modifying locomotor activities on Y-maze test; inhibited natural age-induced learning and memory impairment of aged mice while the learning and memory of young mice were significantly (p<0.05) enhanced on elevated plus maze. The extract also significantly (p<0.05) reduced acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity and increased nitric oxide concentration in the mice whole brain. Conclusion: This study, therefore, concluded that ethanol leaf extract of Milicia excelsa may possess anti-amnesic and memory enhancing effects which may involve cholinergic and nitergic pathways.

On the occurrence of ‘African Teak’, Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) in India

On the occurrence of ‘African Teak’, Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) in India

Effects of Solvents on the In-vitro Antioxidant Activity of Dennettia tripetala G. Baker and Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. Berg Root Extracts

Background and Purpose: The root extracts of Dennettia tripetala G. Baker and Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. Berg was investigated for their in-vitro antioxidant activities.Materials and Methods: The pulverized roots of Dennettia tripetala and Milicia excelsa were extracted separately by cold maceration using ethyl acetate, methanol, n-butanol and water respectively as the extracting solvents. In-vitro antioxidant, the activity of root extracts was then investigated using DPPH model. The results obtained was analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) involving GraphPad Prism 5 Software.Results: The antioxidant assay of various extracts, using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging model, revealed that the ethanol and n-butanol extracts of D. tripetala had better radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 2.02 and 0.631 µg/mL for ethanol and n-butanol extracts, respectively. The methanol and ethanol extracts of M. excelsa showed higher radical scavenging capacity with IC50 of 0.194 and 8.84 µg/mL compared to that of the ascorbic acid which had IC50 value of 4.60 µg/mL.Conclusion: The radical scavenging ability of the extracts could be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolics.

Mechanism of Anticonvulsant Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) in Mice

Mechanism of Anticonvulsant Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) in Mice

English

Sawdust from four types of woods (Milicia excelsa, Gmelina arborea, Afzelia africana and Khaya senegalensis) was used for cultivation of Pleurotus pulmonarius. Growth and yield of fruiting bodies were monitored and biological efficiency (BE) determined. Proximate composition of fruiting bodies was determined; total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extract from the mushrooms were investigated. Results obtained show significant yield (P<0.05) of 361.30±4.55 g/kg substrate (BE = 36.13%) on G. arborea followed by K. senegalensis. The highest crude protein content (19.69±0.09%) was observed in mushrooms harvested on A. africana. Crude fibre was significantly (P<0.05) higher in mushrooms harvested from A. africana. Magnessium, sodium, potassium and calcium content of all the mushrooms were significantly different but all had significantly (P<0.05) higher potassium content (3.52±0.11 to 7.09±0.004 mg/kg). The highest TPC and TFC were recorded in mushrooms harvested from M. excelsa and the least TPC was observed for mushrooms harvested from K. senegalensis while the least TFC was recorded in G. arborea and A. africana. These findings indicate effective economic bioconversion of sawdust with varying effects on yield, nutritional composition, TPC and TFC of P. pulmonarius. G. arborea gave a better yield and can be further exploited in various capacities. Key words: Sawdust, biological efficiency, Pleurotus pulmonarius, proximate composition.

Wood fuel analysis of some selected wood species within Ibadan

Wood waste (saw dust) from sawmills if well harnessed is a potential alternative source of energy for electricity production. This is due to its prospects in the production of fuel such as biogas (methane, carbon dioxide and other trace gases) having high calorific value that can be used to drive a gas turbine in the production of electricity. However, since the electrical energy generated mainly through the hydro power generating stations along with the other power plants including the conventional coal and gas currently in existence in the country is not meeting the energy demand of Nigerians, it is therefore necessary to introduce additional sources of alternative energy in order to be able to augment these existing energy sources, and wood waste is the proposed alternative source of fuel energy used in this study. The fuel properties and characterization of six different wood waste samples (Iroko (Milicia excelsa), Masonia (Masonia altissima), Afara (Terminalia superba), Arere (Annona senegalensis), Ayin (Anogeissus leiocarpus) and Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon)) obtained from sawmills located within Bodija, Sango and Idi Ayunre areas of Ibadan were determined by following the procedure of the American Society Standard Test Method (ASTM E870-82(2013)) for the analysis of wood fuels. The result of characterization of the wood samples showed a range of values for the gross calorific values (20.14MJ/Kg to 22.30MJ/Kg), volatile matter (74.22% to 82.62%) and ash content (0.605% to 5.03%). The overall ratings of the fuel properties of the six wood samples in terms of their average ranking were obtained as 3.25 (Iroko), 3.13 (Masonia), 3.25 (Afara), 2.0 (Arere), 2.6 (Ayin) and 1.75 (Obeche) which suggests that wood waste from Obeche has the best fuel property because of its least rating while that of Afara and Iroko were the worst.

Antipsychotic Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) in Mice

Antipsychotic Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) in Mice

Numerical study of timber solar drying with application to different geographical and climatic conditions in Central Africa

This paper presents a numerical investigation of an indirect solar dryer for wood, using an absorber placed directly behind the transparent cover on the top of the dryer with a layer of air separating it from the cover. The floor and north wall are insulated and painted in black. The dryer is very simple to build and electrical energy is only used for the fan. Applications are done on three tropical woods with 50 mm thick most utilized in Central Africa: obeche (Triplochilon scleroxylon), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum). Comparisons between the numerical results and those experimentally obtained are given and the performances of this solar dryer are discussed under the weather conditions of seven towns in Central Africa region located in six different countries. Satisfactory agreement between experimental and numerical results is then obtained. With an average initial moisture content ranging between 0.4 and 0.48 kg/kg, the average final water contents are ranged from 0.15 to 0.18 kg/kg after 21 days in Yaoundé during the months of November and December 2004. Modeling was applied from November 1st to the November 30th, to Sapele wood with 50 mm thick and 0.4 kg/kg initial moisture content dried in Bangui, Brazzaville, Douala, Kinshasa, Libreville and Yaoundé until the final moisture content, which can vary from 0.13 to 0.1 kg/kg. Solar energy per cubic meter of wood was ranging from 2 to 4.3 GJ/m3 with a maximal thermal efficiency between 12 and 47%. Ndjamena’s climate is not good to use solar drying because of its low air absolute humidity that gives a fast drop in the moisture content and consequently destroys the wood board quality. Bangui, Brazzaville, Douala, Kinshasa, Libreville and Yaoundé give satisfactory alternative drying conditions using the studied solar dryer. However, it is important to use a solar collector in those six towns in order to reduce the effect of the air absolute humidity and improve the drying kinetic.

In vitro Antioxidant and Anti-staphylococcal Activity of Bixa orellana Linn. and Milicia excelsa Welw

In vitro Antioxidant and Anti-staphylococcal Activity of Bixa orellana Linn. and Milicia excelsa Welw

Knowledge, valuation and prioritization of 46 woody species for conservation in agroforestry systems along Ouémé catchment in Benin (West Africa)

The Oueme catchment abounds an important diversity of woody plant species. However, harvesting pressure on these species seems to lead to threats of their sustainability. Despite this fact, few published studies concerning their conservation have been undertaken. In this regard, our study focused on (1) assessment of impact of socio-demographic factors and climatic zones on knowledge and use of the woody plant species; (2) assessment of the use status of each of these species and (3) ranking within each climatic zone these species according to their priority for conservation. A total of 411 randomly selected informants were interviewed through a semi-structured survey followed by a field survey in 69 random plots of 0.15 ha. Data from available literature were used to complete the surveys. Ecological and ethnobotanical parameters were computed, and the highest priority species for conservation were identified. The results showed significant difference in plant use between women and men, ethnic groups and climatic zones. However, age was not a determinant of plant knowledge. The findings also revealed that more than 50% of native species in the study area are underutilized or widely used by few people. Moreover, six species were identified as priorities and need high conservation efforts in the two climatic zones, namely: Parkia biglobosa, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Milicia excelsa, Prosopis africana, Afzelia africana and Khaya senegalensis. Non-governmental organizations, governments and agroforestry research institutions are entreated to incorporate these species in local development strategies aiming at sustainable management and long-term conservation of native species.

Investigation of natural durability of some native and exotic wood species against Hylotrupes bajulus (Cerambycidae) and Anobium punctatum (Anobiidae)

Aim of study: In this study, natural durability of some domestic and foreign wood species against Hylotrupes bajulus and Anobium punctatum larvae were tested on laboratory scaleArea of study: This study was conducted at Department of Forest Products Engineering in Duzce University, Turkey and Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Germany.Material and Methods: Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), fir (Abies nordmanniana), spruce (Picea orientalis), cedar (Cedrus libani), poplar (Populus tremula) and beech (Fagus orientalis) woods were used to test H. bajulus larvae (EN 46-1). Alder (Alnus glutinosa), oak (Quercus cerris), poplar (Populus tremula), beech (Fagus orientalis), maple (Acer carpinifolium), ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon), movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus), dahoma (Piptadeniastrum africanum), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), bubinga (Guibourtia tessmannii) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindiricum) woods were used for A. punctatum larvae (EN 49-1). At the end of the experiment, the mortality rates of the larvae were determined and the size and weights of the surviving larvae were measured.Main results: F. orientalis and C. libani were found to be the most resistant wood species against H. bajulus larvae while A. nordmanniana was the least resistant. All tropical wood species and oak and maple from domestic wood species showed 100% mortality rate therefore found to be the most resistant against A. punctatum larvae. The most vulnerable wood species was found to be alder with a 35% mortality. Research highlights: while F. orientalis, C. libani, and P. tremula were found the most resistance wood species against H. bajulus, P. sylvestris and A. nordmanniana were determined as most vulnerable. All tropical wood species and two domestic species (Q. cerris and A. carpinifolium) showed the highest mortality rate as 100%. The least durable domestic wood was determined as alder.

Traditional ecological knowledge-based assessment of threatened woody species and their potential substitutes in the Atakora mountain chain, a threatened hotspot of biodiversity in Northwestern Benin, West Africa

BackgroundAtakora mountains in Benin are a unique but fragile ecosystem, harboring many endemic plant species. The ecosystem is undergoing degradation, and the woody vegetation is dramatically declining due to high anthropogenic actions and recurrent drought. This study aimed to (i) assess the diversity of threatened woody species and (ii) identify their potential substitutes in the three regions of the Atakora mountains namely East Atakora, Central Atakora, and West Atakora.MethodsThe data were collected during expeditions on surveyed localities through semi-structured individual interviews. Free-listing was used to record threatened woody species and which were important and why. Alpha-diversity indices were used to assess diversity of threatened and important threatened woody species. A correspondence analysis was used to determine the reason supporting their importance. Differences in species composition were assessed using analysis of similarities. A number of potential substitutes were compared among species using generalized linear models.ResultsA total of 117 woody species (37 families and 92 genera) were identified. The most prominent families were Fabaceae (19.66%), Combretaceae (12.82%), and Moraceae (10.26%), and the richest genera were Ficus (10 species), Combretum (6), and Terminalia (5). Most threatened species differed across regions (East Atakora, Central Atakora, and West Atakora) and included Afzelia africana, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Borassus aethiopum, Diospyros mespiliformis, Khaya senegalensis, Milicia excelsa, and Pterocarpus erinaceus. Most socio-economically important species (K. senegalensis, Parkia biglobosa, Vitellaria paradoxa, and V. doniana) were used mainly for food, timber, and fuelwood purposes. Old and adult people, and Dendi and Fulfulde sociolinguistic groups had greater knowledge of threatened woody plant species. High intercultural differentiations in species composition were detected between Bariba-Berba and Bariba-Natimba. Knowledge of substitutes also differed across regions with P. erinaceus, Isoberlinia spp., and A. africana being the most cited substitutes.ConclusionBasic data was provided here to inform decision and guide efficient management of woody resources. There was evidence that immediate conservation measures are required for some high economic value woody taxa which were critically threatened. Ex-situ conservation of these species while promoting their integration into agroforestry-based systems were recommended. Besides, community-based management programs and community-led initiatives involving knowledgeable people from different horizons will lead to a long-lasting conservation of these threatened resources.

Mode I fracture of tropical woods using grid method

The cracking properties in opening mode of three tropicals species from the Gabonese forest, namely Iroko (Milicia Excelsa), Okume (Aucoumea klaineana Pierre), and Padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii), were investigated in this study. Various tests were performed at room temperature and for two different thicknesses. A full-field measurement technique, namely the grid method, was used in order to obtain the displacement and strain maps near the crack during the tests. The mechanical parameters, the specificities of the wood species, the Arcan system and the grid transfer method are first described. For all the specimens, the initial crack length was oriented along the fiber direction (RL). The instantaneous failure tests were performed using two types of specimens: the modified Compact Tension Shear (CTS) and the Mixed Mode Crack Growth (MMCG) specimens. The images of the grid were recorded and analyzed to obtain the displacement maps. The crack opening, the location of the crack tip as well as the strain fields on the surface of the specimens were deduced from these displacement maps. The experimental critical energy release rate Gc was evaluated by the compliance method in imposed displacement. In the case of instantaneous crack with CTS specimens, the comparison of the initial value of Gc for all the samples show that this quantity strongly depends on the thickness and density of the species under study. Crack propagation was observed for a thickness equal to 20 mm only. The results of the crack propagation with the MMCG specimens show the same dependence, and confirm the quasi-brittle fracture behavior of Iroko. The experimental results are scattered, but clear trends can be observed concerning the fracture parameters of the in previous studies described in the literature on wood species with wood species under study. The results are finally compared with those given densities similar to those studied here.

Biocontrolled soil nutrient distribution under the influence of an oxalogenic-oxalotrophic ecosystem

Background and AimsThe oxalate-carbonate pathway (OCP) has been observed in acidic tropical soils with low alkaline cation content where compartments are transient and fed by the rapid turnover of organic matter. By acting on edaphic parameters, the OCP may influence soil nutrient distribution. This study aims at assessing the influence of the OCP on soil nutrients within an agroforestry system associated to oxalogenic iroko trees.MethodsSoil nutrient distribution was studied in a 30 m long and 1 m deep transect starting at the iroko tree towards the vegetation surrounding it.ResultsProcesses controlling nutrient distributions varied with both distance and depth. The tree drastically impacted edaphic variables, in the first instance pH. Changes in pH generated gradients of calcium and magnesium, both of the exchangeable and the total fraction. In contrast, total phosphorus and potassium distribution were mostly influenced by depth.ConclusionsThis downward gradient fits the “plant cycling model” that explains the effect of vegetation on the recharge of soil nutrients. This is the first example of the effect of the OCP on soil nutrient distribution. Considering that the OCP is not restricted to the iroko tree, this study highlights a more general pattern of forest dynamics developed on highly weathered tropical soils.

Experimental investigation of mixed mode fracture of tropical wood material

The process of mixed-mode crack growth of three tropical species of the Gabonese forest, namely iroko (Milicia Excelsa), okume (Pierre Aucoumea klaineana), and padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) is studied in this paper. Different tests were carried out at room temperature for different thicknesses. A full-field measurement technique, namely the grid method, was used to obtain both the displacement and deformation maps near the crack tip. The mechanical parameters, the specificities of the wood species, the Arcan system and the grid transfer method are described in the paper. For all the samples, the initial crack was oriented along the fiber direction (RL). Fracture tests were performed using modified Mixed Mode Crack Growth (MMCG) specimen. A thickness of the specimens is 20 mm, and a mixed mode ratio corresponding to 150 were studied. The force-displacement curves, the crack growth process as well as the opening crack were deduced from grid images treated with the grid method. The experimental critical energy release rate Gc was evaluated by the imposed displacement compliance method. The different results show the predominance of mode 1 compared to mode 2. The proportionality of the initial value of the energy release rate with respect to the density of these species is also highlighted.

Potential of Milicia excelsa Sawdust as Fermentation Medium for Bioethanol Production: A Preliminary Study

The potential Milicia excelsa sawdust as both fermentation medium and substrate for bioethanol production was investigated. Fermentation of the sawdust was carried out for 120 hours. Three liters of distilled water was added into 500 g of sterilized and unsterilized samples (sawdust) respectively with the addition of 4.5 g of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and fermentation was terminated every 24 hrs. Microbial population and organisms responsible for the fermentation were determined using standard microbiological technique. Temperature, pH and total titratable acidity of the substrates were monitored daily for 120 hrs. Bacterial population at 0 hr was 7.0 × 103 cfu/ml, it reduced to 0.03 × 103 cfu/ml after 120 hrs of the fermentation while fungal population was 5.0 × 103 sfu/ml at 0 hour and it reduced to 0.01 × 105 sfu/ml at 120 hrs. pH of the sterilized sawdust was between 5.2 and 9.9 while that of the unsterilized was between 5.5 and 9.8. Initial total titratable acidity was 0.001 mol/dm3, while total titratable acidity during the fermentation of sterilized samples decreased from 0.017 to 0.005 mol/dm3, that of unsterilized samples from 0.023 to 0.007 mol/dm3. Bacterial isolated before the fermentation was Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus spp, Actinomycetes spp., while during fermentation were: Clostridium cellulovorans, Bacillus spp, Lactobacillus plantarum. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp, Mucor mucedo and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yield of the bioethanol generated from the fermentation was 105, 205, 295, 239, and 163 ml at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hrs respectively for the sterilized samples and 65, 139, 214, 191, and 168 ml at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hrs respectively for the unsterilized samples. This implies that bioethanol can be produced from the fermentation of Milicia excelsa sawdust with its highest yield at 72 hrs of fermentation thereby renewing wastes into useful products and reducing environmental pollution.

Mathematical modelling and numerical simulation of a simple solar dryer for tropical wood using a collector

The main objective of this paper is to develop a computational model and to simulate the drying of timber with a solar dryer. Two sets of equations have been established: one for the solar collector and the other for the drying chamber. The computed and measured outlet temperatures of the solar collector were compared. A very satisfactory prediction by the model is observed. The theoretical variations of the relative humidity and temperature of the air inside the drying chamber were computed and the analyses gave satisfactory physical meanings. The drying kinetic is a little faster. Using the solar collector, the final moisture content of the wood stack of iroko species (Chlorophora excelsa) is lower than the one obtained without utilization of the solar collector. The proposed modelling can be used to design and model other solar dryers.

Variations of Density and Compressive Strength Before and After Charring of Some Selected Construction Timber Species of Southwestern Nigeria

This study aimed to evaluate the percentage variations of density and compressive strength of some selected timber species mostly used for constructional purposes in Southwestern Nigeria after undergoing fire exposure. The species are: Terminalia superba (Afara), Milicia excelsa (Iroko), Nauclea diderrichii (Opepe), Khaya ivorensis (Mahogany), Mansonia altissima (Mansonia), Tectona grandis (Teak).The densities and the compressive strengths of the species were determined at Moisture Contents (MC) of 9.0, 12.0, and 15.0%. Nine specimen per species, were exposed to fire at various temperature ranges.The results of analysis by variance revealed that at 9% MC, Mahogany had the lowest density value of 439±10.58Kg/m³. At 12 and 15% MC, Afara had the lowest density values of 444±4.18Kg/m³ and 469±7.07Kg/m³ respectively. At 9, 12 and 15% MC, Opepe had the highest density values of 630±28.85Kg/m³, 686±22.64Kg/m³ and 752±17.22Kg/m³ respectively. Afara of 9, 12 and 15% MC had the lowest compressive strength parallel to the grain values of 9.59±1.08N/mm2, 9.59±1.08N/mm2 and 8.13±1.01N/mm2 respectively, while Mahogany had the highest compressive strength parallel to the grain values of 16.57±0.50N/mm2, 15.17±0.49N/mm2 and 12.12±0.42N/mm2 at the three MC levels. Post fire exposure revealed that Afara had the highest percentage change in density and compression in parallel values, while both Iroko and Mahogany exhibited the lowest percentage change in density and compression in parallel values. This study indicated that Mahogany and Iroko species which had lowest post fire change in density and compression in parallel values are useful and recommended to ensure the safety in case of fire outbreaks.

Withdrawal force capacity of T-type furniture joints constructed from various heat-treated wood species

The withdrawal force capacities were compared for T-type furniture joints made from heat-treated Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), and common ash (Fraxinus excelsior), which are commonly used in the construction of outdoor furniture. A total of 120 specimens that consisted of 3 wood species, 2 treatment processes (untreated and heat-treated), 2 adhesive types (polyurethane and polyvinyl acetate), and 2 joinery techniques (mortise and tenon, and dowel) were tested, with 5 replications for each condition. Half of the specimens were constructed from heat-treated wood materials, while the remaining half were prepared from untreated wood materials (control specimens). The joints constructed from common ash and iroko exhibited the highest withdrawal force capacity values. Overall, heat treatment reduced the withdrawal force capacity of joints by 25% compared with the joints constructed of control specimens. Mortise and tenon joints yielded 4 times higher performance than dowel joints. The polyurethane adhesive gave better results than the polyvinyl acetate adhesive. The best withdrawal force capacity values of heat-treated wood materials were obtained from the Iroko-polyurethane-mortise and tenon joint combination.

Emmenagogue properties of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg (Moraceae) based, at least in part, on its ability to correlate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to that of the ovaries

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMilicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg (Moraceae) is a medicinal plant recommended over tropical Africa as a cure for several ailments including amenorrhea. This is the hallmark of an ovarian lesion or a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis which may lead to infertility, osteoporosis or endometrial cancer. However, regardless these traditional claims, no scientific report dealing with emmenagogue properties has been reported yet. Aim of the studyTo bring scientific evidence to the curative action of the plant, we proposed evaluating the effects of a root aqueous extract of Milicia excelsa on female Wistar rat sexual maturation. Material and methodsThe study was performed in immature (45 days old) female Wistar rats orally treated with the root aqueous extract of Milicia excelsa at doses of 14, 77 and 140mg/kg BW/day for 7 and 15 consecutive days. Genistein (10mg/kg BW) served as the reference substance. Negative control animals, treated with the vehicle, were followed up for 7, 15, 30 and 45 days and rats were aged 52, 60, 75 and 90 days at these respective days. This allowed setting the nubile age of experimental animals and to determine the impact of treatments with genistein or the aqueous extract of Milicia excelsa on the age of rat sexual maturation. Since female rats do not have menstruation and that the normal menstrual cycle occurs because of changing levels of hormones made and secreted by the ovaries in response to hormonal signals from the pituitary gland, the effects of treatments were evaluated on the pituitary production of gonadotropins, the ovarian production of estradiol and progesterone, and uterine and vaginal growths. ResultsThe sexual maturation of untreated rats was set at 90 days old. This sexual maturation was indicated by the simultaneous elevation of gonadotropins (FSH and LH (p<0.01)) and ovarian hormones (estradiol (p<0.001) and progesterone (p<0.05)) in animals aged 90 days. Uterine and vaginal growths (p < 0.001) observed in these animals appear as the result of elevated level of estradiol. The root aqueous extract of Milicia excelsa displayed genistein-like effects and increased FSH and estradiol serum levels following both treatment periods (7 and 15 days). Estradiol serum concentration significantly increased following a 7-day treatment at the dose of 14mg/kg BW (p<0.001). This resulted in an increase in the uterine wet weight, uterine and vaginal epithelial heights (p<0.05). These results suggest that the root aqueous extract of Milicia excelsa reduced rats’ sexual maturation from 90 to 52 days. Moreover, animals’ body weight was not affected following treatment with Milicia excelsa. ConclusionThe root aqueous extract of Milicia excelsa may solve the problem of amenorrhea by synchronizing the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to the ovarian production of estradiol and progesterone. The unaltered body weight following treatments justifies at least in part, the traditional use of Milicia excelsa for primary and secondary amenorrhea.