Effect of Artesunate on Reproductive Function in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of artesunate on reproductive function in female Wistar rats. Fifteen female rats (120 – 160 g) were used for the estrous cycle and histopathological studies. Artesunate (1.43 mg/kg) was administered orally on daily basis for 21 and 50 days respectively for the estrous cycle and histological studies. Estrous cycle was carried out using the technique of Marcondes et al., histologies of the ovaries and uteri were also carried out. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and student’s t-test at p=0.05. Treatment of rats for 21 days with artesunate (1.43 mg/kg) produced significant (p<0.05) increments in the estrous and metestrous phases as well as a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the proestrous phase of the estrous cycle relative to their respective controls. The histopathological study presented with ovarian medullar that is severely congested (hemorrhagic) including expanded lumen of the endometrial glands. It can therefore be concluded that artesunate probably has pro-fertility effect with deleterious effect on the ovaries at histological level in female Wistar rats.