In vivo investigation of female reproductive functions and parameters in nonpregnant mice models and mass spectrometric analysis of the methanol leaf extract ofEmilia Coccinea(Sims) G Dons

Abstract

In Southern Nigeria, the leaves of Emilia coccinea (Sims) G Dons are used traditionally for birth control. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the activities of the methanolic leaf extract of Emilia coccinea (EM) on parameters that affect reproduction as well as the acute toxic effects of the plant using nonpregnant female mice models. Leaves of EM were extracted by maceration with 99.8% methanol. Oral acute toxicity profiles were examined. The effects of EM on female reproductive cycle were determined after oral treatment with EM at 1000 and 100 mg/kg/day daily for 6 days using stilbesterol (1 mg/kg/day) and normal saline as controls. The activities of EM (1000 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day p.o) on reproductive hormones and organs were also studied using estradiol valerat (100 mg/kg/day p.o), progesterone (10 mg/kg/day s.c.), and normal saline as controls. The extract did not induce any observable toxic effect after 24 h. At 1000 mg/kg, the extract significantly shortened the estrus cycle (P < 0.05) while prolonging the estrus phase which were comparable to that observed with stilbesterol. The extract also increased uterine weight and altered the histology of uterine and ovarian tissues. The female reproductive hormones were additionally altered at 1000 mg/kg and the effects were comparable to that of estradiol valerat such as to indicate possible antifertility effects. LC‐HRFTMS analysis showed 9 putatively identified compounds with pyrrolizidine alkaloid occurring at the highest intensity among the identified compounds. In conclusion, the leaf extracts of EM has been shown in this study to exhibit antiovulatory and estrogenic activities which would support the traditional use of the plant in Nigeria.

Our Clear-Cut Improvement to the Impact of Mouse and Rat Models in the Research Involving Female Reproduction

“…Pro-estrus phase lasts for 24 hours (approximately 1 day) in mice and rats [15]. This phase parallels the pre-ovulatory day of menstrual cycle.…”

“…A classic menstrual cycle in humans lasts about 28 days, with ovulation taking place at 14th day (Figure 2). The estrus cycle is considerably shorter than the menstrual cycle, occurring within 4 to 6 days [14,15].…”

“…To clarify the interval as well as the stages of the reproductive cycle, cytological samples of the vaginal cells should be collected for a minimum of 14 successive days (can also be done for up to 19 or 21 days). It has to be prepared at a particular time of the day preferably in the early periods of the morning between 7 am and 12 noon [15]. This is vital as Certain short phases may be "missed" particularly if samples are not consistently gathered for instance, in smears harvested too late or very early in the day, pro-estrus phase might be missed.…”

Synthesis of the Hexahydropyrrolo-[3,2-c]-quinoline Core Structure and Strategies for Further Elaboration to Martinelline, Martinellic Acid, Incargranine B, and Seneciobipyrrolidine

“…They isolated martinelline ( 1 ) and martinellic acid ( 2 ) from the roots of the tropical plants Martinella iquitosensis and Martinella obovata . In 2016, martinelline ( 1 ) was also isolated from the leaves of Emilia coccinea (Sims) G Dons originating from Southern Nigeria [ 20 ]. The same year, martinellic acid ( 2 ) was identified in the Australian cane toad skin Bufo marinus [ 21 ], as well as in the flowering plant Elephantopus scaber [ 22 ].…”

“…In fact, the juice from the martinella and emilia plants have been used by South American natives and Nigerians, respectively, to treat eye infections [ 23 , 24 ]. The emilia leaves have also traditionally been used in Southern Nigeria for birth control [ 20 ].…”