The role of rauwolfia vomitoria root-bark extract (100mg/kg) on male and female albino wistar rats on the release of lutenizing hormones, progestrone and testosterone

Project Abstract

Rauwolfia vomitoria root-bark extract has been traditionally used in various medical practices for its potential effects on hormonal regulation. This study aimed to investigate the role of Rauwolfia vomitoria root-bark extract at a dosage of 100mg/kg on male and female albino Wistar rats in terms of luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and testosterone release. The experiment involved administering the extract to the rats and monitoring their hormone levels over a specified period. Results indicated significant effects of the Rauwolfia vomitoria root-bark extract on hormonal levels in both male and female rats. In males, the extract led to a notable increase in testosterone levels, suggesting a potential stimulatory effect on the male reproductive system. This finding aligns with the traditional use of Rauwolfia vomitoria in enhancing male fertility and reproductive health. Furthermore, the extract also influenced luteinizing hormone levels in both male and female rats. Luteinizing hormone plays a crucial role in the regulation of reproductive functions, including ovulation in females and testosterone production in males. The observed impact of the extract on luteinizing hormone levels indicates its potential to modulate the reproductive processes in both genders. In female rats, the Rauwolfia vomitoria root-bark extract demonstrated effects on progesterone release. Progesterone is a key hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy maintenance. The extract's influence on progesterone levels suggests a possible role in regulating female reproductive functions and hormonal balance. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria root-bark extract on hormonal regulation in male and female rats. The results support the traditional uses of this plant extract in promoting reproductive health and hormonal balance. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to explore the potential therapeutic applications of Rauwolfia vomitoria in the context of hormonal disorders and reproductive health issues.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><b>INTRODUCTION</b></p><p><b>1.1<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; BACKGROUND OF STUDY</b></p><p>Plants<br>have been considered as sources of medicinal agents, as it offers natural<br>products useful for human health. Since the existence of human life on the<br>planet earth, plants have been the source of food, clothing, shelter, fiber,<br>fuel and medicine. Since time immemorial plants are the principle raw materials<br>of traditional medicinal system that has been practiced and continue to provide<br>mankind with novel therapies (Cragg and Newmann, 2005). One of such medicinal<br>plsntis is <i>Rauwolfia Vomitoria</i>&nbsp;whose<br>discovery was accredited to the 16th century German Physician, Leonart<br>Rauwolf. <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria </i>is<br>a plant species that of the genus Rauvolfia. It is also called the “poison<br>devils pepper”. <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria contains</i><br>a large number of indole alkaloids, the root bark contains reserpiline as a<br>major component, followed by reserpine, reserpinine and ajmaline. Root products<br>of <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria </i>have been<br>found to be potent in treatment hypertension, as a sedative to calm epilepsy<br>and psychotic or mental illness. They are also used to wash Children with Colic<br>or fever as well as for skin problems such as rash, pimples, etc. (Schmelzer,<br>2007). It adverse effect include: decreased heart rate and blood pressure,<br>which is due to dilation of blood vessels. It also causes low sex drive<br>increase appetite, weight loss and stomach upset.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sex<br>hormones are natural substances produced by the body that helps relay messages<br>between cells and organs and affect development of sexual organs and other<br>secondary sexual characteristics. Estrogen and progesterone are the two main<br>female sex hormones. Although testosterone is considered as a male hormones<br>females also produce and use a small amount of it too.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Estrogen<br>is the major female hormones. The major amount of the estrogen is produced by<br>the ovaries but small amounts are produced in the adrenal glands and fat cells.<br>During pregnancy, the placenta also makes estrogen. Estrogen plays a big role<br>in reproduction and sexual development, including puberty, menstruation,<br>pregnancy and menopause.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The<br>ovaries also produces the progesterone after ovulation and during pregnancy, the<br>placenta also produces some. Progesterone plays a role in preparing the lining<br>of the uterus for a fertilized egg, supporting pregnancy and suppressing of<br>estrogen production after ovulation.</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Testosterone<br>is a male sex hormone that is important for sexual and reproductive<br>development. It is responsible for development of male sex organs before birth<br>as well as development of other secondary characteristics.</p><p><b>1.2 &nbsp; &nbsp; STATEMENT<br>OF THE PROBLEM</b></p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Alkaloids<br>have been reported to show varying effects on the serum hormone levels. <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria </i>has a vast<br>composition of alkaloids and is potent in treatment and management of various<br>ailments. However, there is not enough information as to the effect of <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria</i>&nbsp;root bark<br>extract on the levels of sex hormones.</p><p><b>1.3 &nbsp; &nbsp; AIM<br>AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY</b></p><p>The<br>aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria </i>root bark extract on male and female sex<br>hormones.</p><p><b>1.4 &nbsp; &nbsp; SIGNIFICANCE<br>OF THE STUDY</b></p><p>The<br>result from this study will add more knowledge to our existing biomedical and<br>pharmacological potentials of <i>Rauwolfia<br>vomitoria</i>&nbsp;and this may help open up new avenues of investigation for<br>researchers.</p><p><b>1.5 &nbsp; &nbsp; JUSTIFICATION<br>OF THE STUDY</b></p><p>Medicinal<br>plants have received a great deal of attention due to their possible beneficial<br>as well as adverse effects. Some of these plants are known to possess anti-<br>fertility effect through their action on hypothlamo-pituitary-gonadal axis or<br>direct hormonal effects on reproductive organs resulting in inhibition of ovarian<br>steroidogenesis. Sex hormones are natural substances produced by the body that<br>helps relay messages between cells and organs and affect development of sexual<br>organs and other secondary sexual characteristics. Alteration in the levels of<br>these sex hormones may lead to infertilty, abortion, abnormal development of<br>sexual characteristics and sexual organs in male, hence the need for use of<br>medicinal plants as a means of regulating hormonal levels by way of increasing<br>or decreasing it.</p><p><b>1.6 &nbsp; &nbsp; SCOPE<br>OF THE STUDY</b></p><p>The<br>scope of the study includes:</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>I. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>Collection<br>of plant</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>II. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>Identification<br>of plants</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>III. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>Extraction<br>of plants</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>IV. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>Administration<br>of ethanol extract of <i>Rauwolfia vomitoria</i><br>to male and female albino Wistar rats depending on body weigh</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>V. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>Serum<br>separation by centrifugation</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>VI. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>Analysis<br>of the result</p> <br><p></p>