Ficus vogelii Stembarks; A Promising Herbal Remedy for Lead Induced Reproductive Toxicity

Abstract

Background and Objectives:Toxicity is fast becoming a major cause of infertility in this century unknowingly and researchers can no longer be mute over this situation. In this work, we aimed at exploring the potency of the bark of Ficus vogelii as an herbal product in protecting against female toxicity. Methods:The twenty 25 female Wistar rats used weighed between 140 -180g and were randomly assigned into five groups of five rats per group with group A servicing as control which received normal saline. Groups B and C received 3.5 mg/kg of Lead acetate 14 days and later received low and high dose of extract respectively. Group D served as lead acetate group while group E received extract only.Results: There were changes in body, uterine and ovarian weight (P > 0.01). Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme levels were reduced significantly in B and C (P > 0.01) group animals while there was an increase in its levels in group D. Several alterations were seen in the ovary and uterus which includes reduced folliculogenesis with a marked increase in the number of atretic follicles, oedema and necrotic zones. These effects were seen to be restored near normal in the groups that were administered with extract. Conclusions:This work showed that the bark of Ficus vogelii could be a good herbal remedy for infertility.