Effect of short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L) root on the ovarian activity and estrus behavior of female mice

摘要

Objective:To assess the effect of short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root on the ovarian activity and estrus behavior of female mice.Methods:Eighteen virgin female ddY mice,8 to 10 weeks of age,weighing 22-25 g with regular estrus cycle,were divided into three groups.Group 1 received 0.5%carboxymethylcellulose,whereas Groups 2 and 3 received the ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root at 90 and 115 mg/kg body weight(b.w.)per day by gavage for 20 days,respectively.All of the groups were checked before 9 a.m.daily for vaginal cytology to determine the estrus phase.On day 21,the mice were sacrificed to collect serum samples to quantify the concentrations of reproductive hormones using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and to determine changes in the reproductive organs based on their reproductive organ weight,histomorphology,and histomorphometry of ovarium and uterus.Results:The reproductive organ weight in the treatment groups was similar compared with that in the control group.The 90 mg/kg b.w.treatment group showed an increase in corpus luteum number when compared with the control group,with few degenerated follicles and diminished oocytes.Moreover,the 115 mg/kg b.w.treatment group showed fewer primordial and primary follicles and an increase in corpus luteum number and a prolonged diestrus phase compared to the control and 90 mg/kg b.w.treatment groups.The histomorphology examination of the uterus showed that the thickness of myometrium and epithelium in the treated animals was similar to the control group.In addition,there was a significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone level in the 115 mg/kg b.w.treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root reduces the follicle-stimulating hormone serum level and folliculogenesis.