Aqueous Extract of Newbouldia laevis Abrogates Cadmium-Induced Ovarian Dysfunction in Adult Wistar Rats

Background: The extract of Newbouldia laevis has been demonstrated to show antioxidant, antimicrobial, sedative, anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antiulcer, antihypertensive and antidiarrhea properties. However, its reproprotective effect is not well known. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of Newbouldia laevis in cadmium- induced ovarian dysfunction. Method: Adult female Wistar rats were randomly allotted into groups; Vehicle (received distilled water), cadmium-treated (received 5 mg/kg b.w.), N. laevis-treated (received 200 mg/kg b.w.) and cadmium + N. laevis-treated groups. Cadmium sulphate was administered for 3 days (i.p.) followed by oral administration of N. laevis for 28 days. The body weight change was monitored using animal weighing balance (Olympia SCL66110 model, Kent Scientific Corporation, Torrington, CT06790, USA), biochemical assay and histology of ovaries were performed as previously described. Results: The results showed weight loss, severe disruption of ovarian follicles and significant reduction of gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH) in cadmium-treated group compared with vehicle-treated group. These alterations were not associated with inflammatory response. However, concomitant administration of aqueous extract of N. laevis and cadmium sulphate significantly ameliorated ovarian disruption. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that administration of aqueous extract of N. laevis during treatment with cadmium sulphate preserves ovarian function, suggesting that possibly daily intake of aqueous extract of N. laevis prevents the onset of ovarian disorders.