The potential of standardized quassinoid-rich extract of Eurycoma longifolia in the regulation of the oestrous cycle of rats

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effects of Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia) standardized extract on the oestrous cycle, levels of reproductive hormones and histology of the ovaries of Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods Female rats were orally treated with E. longifolia standardized extract at the dose levels of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 mg/kg of body weight over 5 days. Vaginal smears were monitored daily within the duration and after withdrawal of the treatment before being sacrificed. The body weights of the females were recorded before and after the 5 days treatment. At the end of the experiments, blood samples were collected for determination of testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone levels. Ovaries were removed, weighed and examined for histomorphological changes. Results The administration of E. longifolia standardized extract did not significantly alter the oestrous cycle of the rats during the 5 days treatment and after withdrawal of the treatments. This was supported by normal testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone levels as well as normal morphology of the ovaries. Conclusions The data obtained showed that E. longifolia standardized extract did not exhibit any toxic effect on reproductive activities of female rats suggesting potential use in the management of infertility.