Comparative effect of the aqueous extracts of Aloe buettneri, Dicliptera verticillata, Hibiscus macranthus and Justicia insularis on the sexual maturation of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin-primed immature female rats

Marie Stéphanie Chekem Goka; Maurice Ducret Awouafack; Marc Lamshöft; Landry Lienou Lienou; Gildas Tetaping Mbemya; Fabrice Boyom Fekam; Pierre Tane; Phélix Bruno Telefo

doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0052

Article

Comparative effect of the aqueous extracts of Aloe buettneri, Dicliptera verticillata, Hibiscus macranthus and Justicia insularis on the sexual maturation of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin-primed immature female rats

Marie Stéphanie Chekem Goka , Maurice Ducret Awouafack , Marc Lamshöft , Landry Lienou Lienou , Gildas Tetaping Mbemya , Fabrice Boyom Fekam , Pierre Tane and Phélix Bruno Telefo

Published/Copyright: July 21, 2018

Published by

Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Submit Manuscript Author Information Explore this Subject

From the journal Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology Volume 29 Issue 5

Abstract

Background

Aloe buettneri, Dicliptera verticillata, Hibiscus macranthus and Justicia insularis are medicinal plants used in the western region of Cameroon to cure infertility among women. This experiment was designed to compare the effect of the aqueous extracts of A. buettneri (AAB), D. verticillata (ADV), H. macranthus (AHM), J. insularis (AJI), their mixture (AME) and the extract obtained from the mixture of their powders (AMP) on some parameters of reproduction.

Materials and methods

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used to detect the constituents of different extracts. The extracts (50 mg/kg) were administered to PMSG-primed immature rats (10 rats/group) for 5 days. At the end of the treatment, five animals of each group were sacrificed and various biological markers of reproduction were recorded. The remaining animals were injected with 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) sacrificed 48 h later and the number of ovarian hemorrhagic points counted.

Results

Fifty-four compounds were found in the various extracts with 37 individually distributed among them and the remaining found in at least two extracts. As compared with the control, the AMP and AJI increased serum estradiol level by 2.36 and 2.23 times, respectively. The AMP was the only extract whose administration resulted in a significant increase (p<0.001) in the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Compared with the other extract-treated rats, the AMP-treated rats showed the highest number of hemorrhagic points.

Conclusions

These findings provided evidence on the synergistic effect of compounds present in these plant extracts and supported the usage of the mixture in traditional medicine.

Keywords: hormones; HPLC-MS; immature rats; infertility; medicinal plants; ovary

Corresponding author: Prof. Phélix Bruno Telefo, Research Unit of Medicinal Plants Biochemistry, Food Sciences and Nutrition, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon; Phone: +237 677 20 42 67; Fax: +237 234 45 19 35

Funding source: International Foundation for Science

Award Identifier / Grant number: F/4731-1

Funding statement: Our special thanks to the International Foundation for Science (IFS) for the laboratory equipment and reagent facilities under Grant No. F/4731-1, Funder Id: 10.13039/501100001724. We are grateful to the Institute of Environmental Research (INFU) at TU Dortmund (Germany) for the HPLC-MS measurement.

Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission. MSCG, LLL and GTM collected the samples, prepared the extracts, carried out all the animal model experiments and helped in manuscript writing. ML carried out the HPLC-MS measurements and MDA analyzed the data. PBT, PT and FBF supervised the work.
Research funding: This study was supported by the International Foundation for Science (IFS) with laboratory equipment and reagents facilities under Grant No. F/4731-1.
Employment or leadership: None declared.
Honorarium: None declared.
Competing interests: The funding organization(s) played no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the report for publication.

References

1. Telefo PB, Lienou LL, Yemele MD, Lemfack MC, Mouokeu C, Goka CS, et al. Ethnopharmacological survey of plants used for the treatment of female infertility in Baham, Cameroon. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;136:178–87.10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.036Search in Google Scholar PubMed

2. Telefo PB, Lemfack MC, Bayala B, Lienou LL, Yemele MD, Mouokeu C, et al. Enquête ethnopharmacologique des plantes utilisées dans le traitement de l’infertilité féminine dans les localités de Fossong-Wentcheng et Foto, Cameroun. Phytothérapie 2012;10:25–34.10.1007/s10298-011-0678-6Search in Google Scholar

3. Telefo PB. Contribution à l’étude des plantes médicinales du Cameroun: Influence de l’extrait aqueux du mélange de feuilles d’Aloe buettneri A. Berger (Liliacees), Dicliptera verticillata G.J.H. Amshoff (Acanthacees), Hibiscus macranthus Hoscht ex. A. Rich (Malvacees) et Justicia insularis T. Anders (Acanthacees) sur certains paramètres biochimiques et physiologiques de la fonction de la reproduction chez la rate. Thèse de Doctorat 3è Cycle en Biochimie. Cameroon: Université de Yaoundé I, 1998, 159p.Search in Google Scholar

4. Telefo PB, Moundipa FP, Tchana A, Tchouanguep DC, Mbiapo FT. Effect of aqueous extract of Aloe buettneri, Justicia insularis, Hibiscus macranthus, Dicliptera verticillata on some physiological and biochemical parameters of reproduction in immature female rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1998;63:193–200.10.1016/S0378-8741(98)00062-2Search in Google Scholar

5. Telefo PB, Moundipa FP, Tchouanguep MF. Influence de l’extrait aqueux de feuilles d’ Aloe buettneri, Justicia insularis, Hibiscus macranthus, et Dicliptera verticillata sur la fertilité et quelques paramètres biochimiques de la reproduction chez la rate. J Cam Acad Sc 2001;1:144–50.Search in Google Scholar

6. Telefo PB, Pellicer Rubio MT, Moundipa P, Tchouanguep MF, Malpaux B, Tchouanguep C. Inductive effect of the leaf extract, ADHJ, on ovarian activity and LH secretion in anoestrus adult Ewe. J Cam Acad Sc 2004a;4(Suppl):301–5.Search in Google Scholar

7. Telefo PB, Moundipa FP, Tchouanguep MF. Inductive effect of the leaf mixture extract of Aloe buettneri, Justicia insularis, Dicliptera verticillata and Hibiscus macranthus on in vitro production of estradiol. J Ethnopharmacol 2004b;91:225–30.10.1016/j.jep.2003.12.024Search in Google Scholar

8. Goka CM, Telefo PB, Mbemya TG, Awouafack MD, Lienou LL, Yemele MD, et al. Potentialisation of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin inducing effect on ovarian follicles growth by the aqueous extract of Aloe buettneri, Dicliptera verticillata, Hibiscus macranthus and Justicia insularis leaves in immature rats. Pharmacologia 2016;7:328–36.10.5567/pharmacologia.2016.328.336Search in Google Scholar

9. Lass A, Skull J, McVeigh E, Margara R, Winston RM. Measurement of ovarian volume by transvaginal sonography before ovulation induction with human menopausal gonadotrophin for in-vitro fertilization can predict poor response. Hum Reprod 1997;12:294–7.10.1093/humrep/12.2.294Search in Google Scholar PubMed

10. Westergaard LG, Laursen SB, Andersen CY. Increased risk of early pregnancy loss by profound suppression of luteinizing hormone during ovarian stimulation in normogonadotrophic women undergoing assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2000;15:1003–8.10.1093/humrep/15.5.1003Search in Google Scholar PubMed

11. La Rochebrochard L. Médicalisation de l’infertilité: quelle est la situation mondiale du nord au sud? 2004, INED-INSERM, Kremlin-Bicêtre (94), France.Search in Google Scholar

12. EEC: Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. Off J Eur Comm 1986;L358:1–29.Search in Google Scholar

13. Groothuis PG, Dassen HH, Romano A, Punyadeera C. Estrogen and the endometrium: lessons learned from gene expression profiling in rodents and human. Hum Reprod Update 2007;13:405–17.10.1093/humupd/dmm009Search in Google Scholar PubMed

14. Souza FA, Pérez OJ, D’Oliveira-Sousa A, Vale FV, Marc H, Chacón JL, et al. Folliculogenesis and ovulation in equine species. Rev Vet Med 2011;2:43–50.10.19052/mv.563Search in Google Scholar

15. Navarro VM, Fernandez-Fernandez R, Castellano JM, Roa J, Mayen AL, Gaytan F, et al. Advanced vaginal opening by precocious activation of the reproductive axis by KISS-1 peptide, the endogenous ligand of GPR54. J Physiol Soc 2004;561:379–86.10.1113/jphysiol.2004.072298Search in Google Scholar

16. Hung TT, Gibbons WE. Evaluation of androgen antagonism of estrogen effect by dihydrotestosterone. J Steroid Biochem 1983;19:1513–20.10.1016/0022-4731(83)91128-7Search in Google Scholar PubMed

17. Casey RW, Wilson JD. Antiestrogenic action of dihydrotestosterone in mouse breast. Competition with estradiol for binding to the estrogen receptor. J Clin Invest 1984;74:2272–8.10.1172/JCI111654Search in Google Scholar PubMed

18. Medlock KL, Forrester TM, Sheehan DM. Short-term effects of physiological and pharmacological doses of estradiol on estrogen receptor and uterine growth. J. Recept Res 1991;11:743–56.10.3109/10799899109064677Search in Google Scholar

19. Medlock KL, Forrester TM, Sheehan DM. Progesterone and estradiol interaction in the regulation of rat uterine weight and estrogen receptor concentration. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1994;205:146–53.10.3181/00379727-205-43690Search in Google Scholar PubMed

20. Meikle A, Tasende C, Rodríguez M, Garófalo EG. Effects of estradiol and progesterone on the reproductive tract and on uterine sex steroid receptors in female lambs. Theriogenology 1997;48:1105–13.10.1016/S0093-691X(97)00343-9Search in Google Scholar PubMed

21. Montaserti A, Pourheydar M, Khazaei M, Ghorbani R. Anti-fertility effects of Physalis alkekengi alcoholic extract in female rat. Iranian J Reprod Med 2007;5:13–6.Search in Google Scholar

22. Poorfarid M, Karimi Jashni H, Houshmand F. The effects of Aloe Vera sap on progesterone, estrogen and gonadotropin in female rats. J Jahrom Univ Med Sci 2013;10:6–10.10.29252/jmj.10.4.7Search in Google Scholar

23. Pietrzak W, Nowak R, Olech M. Effect of extraction method on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of mistletoe extracts from Viscum album subsp. Abietis. Chemical Papers 2014;68:976–82.10.2478/s11696-013-0524-4Search in Google Scholar

24. Al-Fartosi KG, Al-Rekabi EA. Effect of phenolic compounds of leaves extractes from Mentha spicata and Mentha longifolia on sex hormones level of female rats. J Coll Educ Pure Sci 2012;2:118–26.Search in Google Scholar

25. Hunzicker-Dunn M, Maizels ET. FSH signaling pathways in immature granulosa cells that regulate target gene expression: Branching out from protein kinase A. Cell Signal 2006;18: 1351–9.10.1016/j.cellsig.2006.02.011Search in Google Scholar PubMed

26. Nakamura K, Minegishi T, Takakura Y, Miyamoto K, Hasegawa Y, Ibuki Y, et al. Hormonal regulation of gonadotropin receptor mRNA in rat ovary during follicular growth and luteinization. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1991;82:259–63.10.1016/0303-7207(91)90039-USearch in Google Scholar PubMed

27. Camp TA, Rahal JO, Mayo KE. Cellular localization and hormonal regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone receptor messenger RNAs in the rat ovary. Mol Endocrinol 1991;5:1405–17.10.1210/mend-5-10-1405Search in Google Scholar PubMed

28. LaPolt PS, Tilly J, Aihara T, Nishimori K, Hsueh AJ. Gonadotropin-induced up- and down-regulation of ovarian FSH receptor gene expression in immature rats: effects of PMSG, hCG, and recombinant FSH. Endocrinology 1992;130:1289–95.10.1210/endo.130.3.1537292Search in Google Scholar PubMed

29. Tilly JL, LaPolt PS, Hsueh AJ. Hormonal regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured rat granulosa cells. Endocrinology 1992;130:1296–302.10.1210/endo.130.3.1311235Search in Google Scholar PubMed

30. Minegishi T, Tano M, Kishi H, Kameda T, Miyamoto K. Follicle-stimulating hormone regulation on its receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured rat granulosa cells. Biochim Biophys Acta 1997;1359:165–73.10.1016/S0167-4889(97)00095-5Search in Google Scholar PubMed

31. Gallo RV. Pulsatile LH release during the ovulatory surge on proestrous in the rat. Biol Reprod 1981;24:100–4.10.1095/biolreprod24.1.100Search in Google Scholar PubMed

32. Hashimoto I, Isomoto N, Eto M, Kawaminami M, Sunazuka C, Ueki N. Preovulatory secretion of progesterone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin in 4-day and 5-day cycling rats. Biol Reprod 1987;36:599–605.10.1095/biolreprod36.3.599Search in Google Scholar PubMed

33. Tavernier R, Cloaree JN, Darchis A, Lizeaun C, Gribenski A, Lamarque J, et al. Biologie terminale D. France, Paris: Ed-Bordas. 1983:13–39pp.Search in Google Scholar

34. Andersen AG, Als-Nielsen B, Hornnes, PJ, Franch Andersen L. Time interval from human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection to follicular rupture. Hum Reprod 1995;10:3202–5.10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a135888Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Received: 2017-04-13

Accepted: 2017-12-13

Published Online: 2018-07-21

Published in Print: 2018-09-25

You are currently not able to access this content.

Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0052

Keywords for this article

hormones; HPLC-MS; immature rats; infertility; medicinal plants; ovary