Phytosterol Promotes Ovulatory Functions in Wistar Rats by Shortening the Estrous Cycle

Abstract Menstrual cycle interruption is one of the most predominant reproductive endocrinopathies globally. The present study investigated the ovulatory functions of phytosterol using female Wistar rat as experimental models. Fifteen (15) female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three (3) groups, five (5) rats each. Group I served as control, and rats in this group had free access to normal rat chow and clean drinking water ad libitum. Groups II and III served as treatment groups and received 1000 and 2000mg/kg body weight of phytosterol respectively. Vaginal smears of each experimental rat were collected morning of every day of the study between 7 - 9 a.m. for four weeks (2 weeks before treatment and 2 weeks during treatment) for the determination of estrous cycle. Our findings show a significant and dose dependent reduction in the values of proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus amongst Groups 2 and 3 rats administered graded doses (1000mg/kg and 2000mg/kg body weight) of phytosterol compared to Group 1 (control) rats (p<0.05); Suggesting a possible ovulatory modulatory effect of phytosterol. Phytosterol offers a promising alternative in the management of menstrual dysfunction.