Tetrapleura tetraptera and Xylopia aethiopica Consumption Fluctuate Estrogen Levels

Abstract

Extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Xylopia aethiopica have been used in the management and treatment of various ailments. This study investigated and compared the effects of ethanolic extract of both plants on estrogen in female wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n=3): one group for control and groups 2-8 served as experimental test groups. At the end of twenty-five days of oral administration of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Xylopia aethiopica extract, the test rats were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia and estrogen was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results showed significant reduction in serum estrogen after administration of low dose of Tetrapleura tetraptera in Group 2 rats at P < 0.05, but a non-significant increase and decrease in serum estrogen level in Groups 3 and 4 respectively at P < 0.05. Xylopia aethiopica extract caused a non- significant decrease in serum Estrogen level in Groups 5 and 6, but a non-significant increase in estrogen level of Group 7 at P < 0.05. In contrast, serum estrogen was significantly increased in Group 8 rats at P < 0.05 when Tetrapleura tetraptera and Xylopia aethiopica extracts were administered simultaneously. In conclusion, results obtained in this study suggest that individually, both Tetrapleura tetraptera and Xylopia aethiopica can affect the secretion and concentration of estrogen. The combination of extract of both plants could exert a positive effect on female fertility by increasing the levels of Estrogen.