Ameliorative potentials of Boerhavia diffusa Ethanolic leaf extract on cypermethrin-induced reproductive dysfunction in Wistar rats

Abstract

With rising global reports on reproductive and hematological health indicators, numerous animal based researches have more often focused on herbal-based medical remedies. In this study, the ameliorative potentials of ethanolic leaf extract of Boerhavia diffusa was investigated on reproductive and selected hematological variables in wistar rats [packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cell count (TWBCC), total red blood cell (TRBCC) count and total Platelet count (TPC)]. Twenty five (25) female wistar rats (between 150-200 g) were procured and acclimatized for two weeks in the animal house of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. The rats were then grouped into five (5) groups of five rats each (n = 5). While group I animals received standard rat chow and water at liberty (control), reproductive dysfunction was orally induced in group II rats, using 3.83 mg/kg bw of cypermethrin for 14 days. Groups III, IV and V received (orally) 200 mg/kg bw, 300 mg/kg bw and 400 mg/kg bw of Boerhavia diffusa extract (ethanolic) for five weeks respectively; haven also induced reproductive dysfunction. At the end of the period of administration, animals were euthanized under chloroform anaesthesia and blood sample obtained for hematological analysis, while also harvesting and observing the ovaries for histo-architectural changes. Results from one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent increase in the PCV TPC and TRBCC levels of all groups compared to control, while TWBCC increased insignificantly across groups. More studies to corroborative the observations from this works highly recommended.