ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Extract of neem leaves is commonly consumed as an antimalarial therapy. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of neem leaves on the histology of the ovary and also on serum levels of FSH and LH in female Wistar rats. METHODS: A total of eighteen (18) rats weighing 110g-150g were used. They were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, and C) of six rats each. Group A: served as control and received distilled water equivalent in volume to the test extract. Group B: was treated with 200mg/kg of the methanolic extract of neem leaves. Group C: received 400mg/kg of the methanolic extract of neem leaves. Administration was by gavage and lasted for a period of 14 days. RESULTS: Histological sections of the experimental groups revealed no histopathological features. No statistically significant difference was observed in the serum levels of FSH in the treated groups. However, serum levels of LH were significantly reduced when compared with the control. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that extract of neem leaves may affect fertility adversely by reducing serum levels of LH and subsequently, the release of ova during ovulation.
