Alteration in oestrus cycle and implantation in Mus musculus administered aqueous wood ash extract of Azadirachta indica (neem)

Abstract

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the alterations in oestrus cycle and implantation in Mus musculus administered aqueous wood ash extract of Azadirachta indica. Methods: Mice were randomly grouped into four groups (5/group) where 0, 5, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of the extract were orally administered for 20 d and microscopy of vaginal smear carried out daily to determine anti-ovulatory activity. Oestrus cycle, including metestrus, diestrus and oestrus phases and histopathology of uterus were examined. To assess abortifacient activity, pregnant mice were also administered extracts for 7 d and laparotomised on the 10th day of pregnancy to observe implantation in the horns of the uterus. Results: Duration of metestrus and diestrus phases varied significantly, while the frequency at which the oestrus phase occurred was lowest at 100 mg/kg, (2.8 ± 0.2) and (1.2 ± 0.4) d, with degeneration of epithelial cells of glands in the uterus. Failure of implantation (0% implantation) was recorded in mice exposed to 50 and 100 mg/kg of the extract. Conclusions: Aqueous wood ash extract of A. indica altered the duration of metestrus, diestrus and oestrus phases of the oestrus cycle and compromised implantation in female mice.

Keywords

• Toxicity
• Wood-ash extract
• Reproduction
• Anti-ovulatory
• Implantation
• Histopathology