Follicular development and post-implantation loss assessments in non-pregnant and pregnant rats orally exposed to Polyscias fruticosa leaf extract

Abstract

Background: Previously, folk claims of P. fruticosa were ascertained pharmacologically; and its safety studied, but its effect/safety on female reproductive system remained unknown. Objective: The study assessed P. fruticosa leaf extract (PFE) on follicular development in non-pregnant rats; implantation and post-implantation loss in pregnant rats. Methods: The study used healthy adult non-pregnant and pregnant female and male Wistar rats (150–200 g). Non-pregnant rats were randomly assigned to five groups: nor- mal saline (5 ml/kg po), clomiphene citrate (CL) (50 mg/kg po), and PFE (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg po) and treated once daily for 21 days. Dams were sacrificed under deep anesthesia on day 22. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to measure serum estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Uterus and ovary were histologically assessed. Dams were co-habited with fertile males for 1 week; confirmed day 1 pregnant rats were randomly re-assigned to five groups with misoprostol (200 mg/kg) as reference and treated once daily for 15 days. Implantation and post-implantation loss were assessed (6 and 15 gestations). Results: PFE and CL increased follicular development at the primordial and primary folli- cle stages compared to control. PFE improved uterine musculature compared to control. PFE decreased serum FSH, but increased (P < 0.05) serum estrogen and LH compared to control. PFE increased gravid uterine weight compared to control. Total implantation sites were comparable across all groups. Misoprostol and PFE (500 mg/kg) produced post-implantation loss compared to control. Conclusion: PFE (≤100 mg/kg) improved follicular development in non-pregnant rats, but pose risk of post-implantation loss in pregnant rats at ≥500 mg/kg.