Effects of Jatropha gossypifolia leaf Extract on the Reproductive Cycle of Cypermethrin-treated Female Rats

Abstract

Cypermethrin (Cyp), a type II pyrethroid, is a broad-spectrum insecticide extensively used for pest management and animal husbandry practices. They have been named among the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Previous studies have reported its adverse effect on reproduction with no detailed information on the effect on female reproductive cycle. Methanolic extract of Jatropha gossypifolia leaves was investigated for its attenuative effects on disrupted oestrous cycle and hormones of cypermethrintreated female wistar rats. Thirty-two female albino rats (180.23 ± 3.21 g) were completely randomized into four groups (A- D) of eight animals each. Animals in group A served as the control and received 0.5 ml of corn oil. Animals in groups B, C and D received 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) of cypermethrin and treated with 0.5 ml of corn oil, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of Jatropha gossypifolia extract (JGE) respectively on daily basis for 30 days and sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration. The oestrous cycle was monitored by vaginal cytology between 09:00 and 10:00 hours throughout the exposure period. Four reproductive hormones were assayed for in the serum of the animals: Progesterone (P), Testosterone (T), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The oestrous cycle was irregular in female animals given cypermethrin and distilled water. The pattern of irregularity involves persistent/extended estrus phase compared to the control group. The administration of 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of JGE attenuated the effect of cypermethrin by reversing the irregularity in the oestrous cycle. The administration of JGE attenuated the effect of cypermethrin on serum testosterone, progesterone, FSH and LH concentrations. The phytoconstituents in the plant might be responsible for the attenuative benefits of Jatropha gossypifolia leaves in the management of cypermethrin-induced alterations of the reproductive cycle.