Effect of Persea americana unripe pulp methanol extract on pregnancy in laboratory animals

Abstract

Context: Persea americana unripe pulp may induce various hormonal changes in female rats.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Persea americana unripe pulp methanol extract on conception in female Wistar rats

Materials and Method: Forty (40) mature female Wistar rats, divided into 2 groups of 20 rats each were used for preimplantation and post-implantation experiments with mating done before and after administration, respectively. Doses were percentages of LD-50, given intraperitoneally for 12 days and mating was done at late proestrus in the female: male ratio of 2: 1. Control received 1 ml/kg body weight; experimental groups received 380 mg/kg, 760 mg/kg, and 1140 mg/kg body weight of Persea americana unripe pulp methanol extract. Animals were sacrificed on day 5 of pregnancy, day 15, day 20, and day 21 of pregnancy, while the rest were allowed to experience pregnancy outcome before sacrifice under general anesthesia.

Result: Pregnancy was unsuccessful; weight decreased with increasing doses; FSH and progesterone increased, while estrogen and LH decreased. Histological findings showed apparent endometrial thickening in all doses of extract.

Conclusion: The study showed that Persea americana unripe-pulp methanol extract inhibits conception, promotes contraception, and thus should be used with caution in women intending to conceive.