Some Histo-physiological Effects of Azadirachta excelsa (Jack) Leaf Extract on Reproductive Organs and Fertility of Female albino Mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Azadirachta excelsa oral dose (250 mg /kg of b.w.) every other day for 28 days on the histological changes of the ovary and uterus, serum levels of progesterone and estrogen and the fertility of adult female mice.The results showed histological changes in the ovaries of the treated groups indicating an increase in the number of secondary follicles, absence of the mature follicles, presence of the atretic follicles, bleeding tissue and congestion of blood vessels in the second group, while in the third group, they showed a decrease in the number of the primary and secondary follicles, absence of the mature follicles, presence of the atretic follicles and fibrosis of the ovarian cortex.The uterus sections of the treated groups showed fibrosis of the uterus wall, hyperplasia of smooth muscle in the second group and papilloma of endometrium, congestion of blood vessels of serosa in the third group. The results observed a significant increase in progesterone and estrogen levels of the treated groups compared with control. The results observed an obvious decrease in the mean of newborn of the treated groups, which proved reduction of the fertility of the treated females. Thus, the application of this plant extract is important in the rodent control programs.