Methanol extract of Abrus precatorius seeds on reproduction indices, hepatorenal profiles in female albino rats

Abstract

Background Abrus precatorious is a member of the leguminous family with characteristic red and black seeds. The roots, leaves and seeds of this plant are used for different medicinal purpose. It principally carries flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, abrin and alkaloids. The plant had been mentioned for neuromuscular effects, neuro-protective, abortifacient, antiepileptic, anti-viral, antimalarial, antifertility, nephroprotective, immunomodulator, immunostimulatory properties, antiinflammatory activity, antidiabetic, and many others. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fertility activity of the methanol extract of Abrus precatorius seeds (APS) in female albino rats administered 45 and 50 mg/kg BW through oral gavage for 30 days. An Abrus precatorius seed (APS) was extracted (1:1 w/v) using methanol to obtain the crude extract. Liquid-liquid fractionation was performed on the crude methanol extract using solvents of different polarity. Methods Eighteen female rats were divided into three groups each containing six animals was used for this experiment. Group one (control), received 1 ml of saline solution, group two received 45 mg/kg and group three received 50 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage daily for a period of 30 days. At the end of the study, Body weight, Organ Weight, Estrous cycle, Hormonal Concentrations, Oxidative Stress Markers, Enzymatic Activities, Biochemical indices (Liver and Kidney panel) and Hematological parameters were also evaluated. Results Consequent upon the administration of A.precatorius seed methanol extract 45 and 50 mg/kg BW into the female rats resulted in changes pertaining to Body weight, Estrous cycle, Hormonal Concentrations, Antioxidant Enzymes, Serum Biochemical indices and Hematological indices significantly (p < 0.05) compared to control rats. Initial body weights are significantly (p < 0.05) indicated, whereas final weights were decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Organ weight changes i.e. Ovary, Liver and Kidney weights were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in APS administered rats compared to control. Estrous cycle study i.e. time duration of Proestrus, Estrus, Metestrus and Diestrus (in days) was significantly prolonged. Hormonal Concentrations represented by FSH, LH, Prolactin, Estradiol were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, whereas Progesterone levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in APS administered female rats compared to control group of rats. All the antioxidant enzyme assayed CAT, SOD, GPx, GR and GST were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, whereas MDA concentration was found to be increased significantly (p < 0.05). Enzymatic activities and biomolecules includes Cholesterol and Ascorbic acid contents were significantly increased (p < 0.05), but G6PDH and Δ5 − 3β-HSD activities were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in APS administered group of female rats compared to control group. Biochemical indices of liver tissue presented by Bilirubin, SGPT, SGOT, Albumin and Globulin were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased whereas Alkaline Phosphate and Total Protein contents were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The biochemical indices of kidney, i.e. Urea and Creatinine were significantly (p < 0.05) increased and Uric acid and Calcium contents were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in APS administered female rats compared to control group of rats. Hematological parameters including RBC, Hb, ESR and Clotting Time were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased but WBC levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in APS administered female rats compared to control group of rats. Conclusion A. Precatorius seeds have anti-fertility effect on female rats.