Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: February | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 262-271
Effects of Citrus Limon Linn Juice on Reproductive Functions in Female Wistar Rats
T. T. Ahmed1, O. T. Kunle-Alabi2, O. O. Akindele3, Y. Raji4
1,2,3,4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: T. T. Ahmed
ABSTRACT
Citrus limon Juice (CLJ) is used as a therapeutic agent due to its hypolipideamic property. It is commonly used by women as a vaginal douche. However, it is acclaimed to be used as a form of contraceptive in women. Thus, the effects of Citrus limon juice on reproductive functions in female Wistar rats were investigated. Twenty animals divided into four groups (n=5) were used for the study; Group I (control) received distilled water. Group II-IV received 1 ml/kg bodyweight of 50%, 75% and 100% CLJ respectively for 3 weeks. Oestrus cycle length and phase frequency, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and oestrogen levels, as well as histology of liver, ovary and uterus were assessed. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Student’s t-test where appropriate at P< 0.05. Oestrus length reduced in 75% CLJ group. The frequency of Proestrus and oestrus reduced in all test groups. The frequency of metestrus increased in 75% CLJ group. Diestrus frequency increased in all test groups. Luteinizing hormone increased in 75% CLJ group. Serum level of oestrogen increased in 50% and 75% CLJ groups. Histology of the ovaries showed reduced number of follicles and degeneration of uterine glandular epithelia cells. It was therefore deduced from this study thatadministration of Citrus limon juice may be associated with reduced reproductive capability.
Key words: Citrus limon juice, Oestrus cycle, Luteinizing hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone.