Purpose: This study investigates the effect of the ethanolic extract of Justicia secunda (Blood root) on the vaginal opening and oestrous cycle of female wistar rats. Methodology: Thirty (30) female wistar rats of 18-33g average weight was used. They were divided into six groups of five animals each. Group A received distilled water while animals in group B-F received 250, 300, 350, 400 and 450mg/body weight (kg) respectively of the ethanolic extract of the plant. Monitoring of the onset and completion of vaginal opening was done and the estrous cycle was also monitored throughout 3 weeks of extract administration. Early onset of vagina opening was seen in the treated group compared to the control. The oestrous cycle showed irregularities when compared to the control data were expressed as means ± standard error of mean and analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings: This result showed that the plant extract causes an irregular oestrous cycle and precocious pubertal onset in female wistar rats. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The plant extract of Justicia secunda likely to induce precocious puberty in young female wistar rats and irregular cyclicity in the oestrous cycle. This implies that Justicia secunda is likely to have contraceptive properties.

Musa paradisiaca is a medicinal plant that is used widely in Nigeria for the preparation of various herbal remedies. This study investigated the effects of premature Musa paradisiaca (plantain) fruit on the reproductive hormones and characteristics of female wistar rats. Twenty female Wistar rats with regular oestrous cycle with an average weight of 145g were used. The animals were randomly grouped and divided into four groups of five animals each. Musa paradisiaca extract was administered for 14 days while monitoring the estrous cycle. Twenty hours after the last administration, animals in their proestrus were mated while animals on the oestrous phase were sacrificed, and blood samples taken. Phytochemical analysis of premature Musa paradisiaca revealed that terpenes, sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids were heavily present. The extract of premature Musa paradisiaca altered the estrous cycle of Wistar rats. Resorption was observed in high dose group. Significant increase in FSH, LH were observed in the treatment groups. Reduction in Progesterone level was observed in the high dose treatment group. In conclusion, the extract of Musa paradisiaca potentially alters fertility, inhibited implantation and had a significant effect on the reproductive hormones.

Background: Fibroid is a gynaecological problem that affects women of reproductive age across the globe especially among the black race. This study was done to evaluate the incidence of fibroid and its effects on fertility in Eleme Local Government Area.Methods: It is a cross-sectional study with 60 participants aged 18-28 years, 29-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years and >60 years.Results: The study revealed that 90% of the respondents have fibroid and 10% do not have fibroid. The effects range from painful menstruation, heavy menses, irregular menstruation and infertility at the values of 63.3%, 48.3%, 51.7% and 86.8% respectively.Conclusions: Though the effects of fibroids are universal, our study population seems to show some effects more common to them.