OESTROUS CYCLE MODULATING EFFECT OF HYDROMETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (A. JUSS) LEAVES IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the potential of Azadirachta indica leaves as a natural alternative for regulating the oestrous cycle in animal production. Eighteen mature Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups of six rats and treated per os with 0, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of A. indica hydromethanolic leaf (AIHL) extract for 15 days. AIHL extract extended the average oestrous cycle period, increased dioestrus frequency, and decreased oestrus and metoestrus frequencies. Additionally, the ovarian and reproductive tract weights relative to body weight were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The extract contained saponins, tannins, cabohydrates, terpenes, steroids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Azadirachta indica leaves have the potential to modulate the mammalian oestrous cycle