Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Justicia Insularis on Reproductive Parameters in Testosterone Propionate-Induced Hyperandrogenic Female Albino Wistar Rats

Background and objective: Justicia insularis is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Western Cameroon. It is often combined with Aloe buettneri, Dicliptera verticillata and Hibiscus macranthus to treat dysmenorrhea and some infertility cases. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Justicia insularis (AEJi) on reproductive parameters in testosterone propionate-induced hyperandrogenic female albino Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Hyperandrogenism was induced in experimental animals by subcutaneous administration of testosterone propionate (10 mg/kg). The rats were then administered 50 or 100 mg/kg of AEJi for 20 consecutive days. Ovarian and uterine weights, serum and ovarian proteins, ovarian cholesterol and serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, FSH and LH were measured. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significance was determined through various post hoc tests at p<0.05. Results: The negative control group showed significant decreases in ovarian and uterine relative weights, ovarian and serum proteins, FSH, estradiol and progesterone levels, while LH levels and ovarian cholesterol increased. Animals treated with 50 mg/kg AEJi exhibited notable changes, including body weight growth like the neutral control, significant increases in ovarian and uterine relative weights as well as ovarian and serum proteins, FSH, estradiol and progesterone levels, while LH levels and ovarian cholesterol decreased compared to the neutral control (p<0.05). Conclusion: The AEJi appears effective in regulating reproductive function in hyperandrogenic females.