Evaluation of Dose-Dependents Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Allium Cepa (Onion) on Reproductive System In The Female Wistar Rats

This study was carried out to determine the dose-dependent effects of aqueous ethanolic extracts of Allium cepa on weight, reproductive hormones of female Wister rats. Twenty five (25) female Wister rats were used for this study. The rats after procurement were acclimatized in the new environment for two weeks. They were then divided into five groups of five rats each. The first five were used as control, second group were fed with clomiphene Citrate (Positive control), while groups 3 to 5 received 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg of the extracts respectively. Administration was orally and daily. The weight changes were measured and recorded daily respectively. The Allium cepa bought from the Eke Okigwe main market was authenticated by a botanist ,weighed, macerated and extracted with aqeous ethanol. Ready for phytochemical analysis and toxicity study. After 21 days of the extract administration, the rats were bled and serum collected for hormones assay using the Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data obtained were analyzed as mean ± standard deviation using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA. Level of significance between groups was taken as p<0.05. The results show significant increase in weight and the reproductive hormone level when compared with the control. Significant increase was recorded in Progesterone, estrogen, prolactin, Follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (P<0.05). Consumption of Allium cepa can significantly bring about good health and , promotes productions in the female reproductive hormones .