Toxicological impacts of crude oil-contaminated and uncontaminated Mangifera indica stem bark aqueous extracts on hormonal and lipid metabolism in female wistar rats

This study investigated the biochemical effects of aqueous extracts from crude oil-contaminated (C) and uncontaminated (F) Mangifera indica stem bark on female Wistar albino rats. Stem barks were collected from oil-polluted agricultural land in Umuechem, Rivers State (C), and an uncontaminated site at the University of Benin, Edo State (F). Aqueous extracts were prepared by soaking 100 g of powdered bark in 1000 ml distilled water for 72 hours, followed by filtration, concentration via rotary evaporator, and freeze-drying. Eighty rats were divided into five groups: a control group received distilled water, while four treatment groups were administered 250 mg/kg or 3500 mg/kg body weight of C or F extracts orally via gavage for 90 days. Progesterone levels significantly decreased (p