Effects of Long-Term Consumption of Xylopia aethiopica and Tetrapleura tetraptera Extracts on the Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone of Female Swiss White Mice

Increased growth in population, as seen most in developing economies of the world has resulted to a huge burden on the population. Several studies have reported significant roles played by medicinal plants to improve or control fertility and reproductive activities. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of seed extracts of Xylopia aethiopica (Uda) and Tetrapleura tetraptera (Uhio) on selected reproductive hormones using female Swiss White mice. Twenty (24) adult female Swiss White mice weighing 45g-55g were used. The female mice were randomly grouped into 4 with 5 animals in each group. Group 1 which was the control had only rat feed and distilled water. Group 2 had 100mg/kg of Xylopia aethiopica. Group 3 had 100mg/kg of Tetrapleura tetraptera, and group 4 had 50mg/kg of Xylopia aethiopica & 50mg/kg of Tetrapleura tetraptera daily. Administration of the extracts was by oral gavage for 35 days. The mice were anaesthetised using ketamine on the 35th day and blood was collected in plane sample bottles via cardiac puncture and assayed for follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The results showed that group 2 had decreased serum levels of FSH and LH. Group 3 and group 4 had significantly increased serum level of LH and FSH. The increase seen in group 4 could likely be from the effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera. This result shows that Xylopia aethiopica taken alone could reduce fertility, thereby helping birth control in breastfeeding mothers, who are the most consumers of this plant in tropical Africa. This also shows that taking a combination of both could enhance fertility in breastfeeding mothers.